Phenoxiacetic acid derivatives

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to certain 2-substituted phenoxyacetic acid derivatives of formula (I), in which the variables are as defined in the claims, useful in the treatment of diseases or conditions in which modulation of the CRTh2 receptor is beneficial, such as asthma and rhinitis.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a national phase application under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of PCT International Application No. PCT/GB2004/003551, filed Aug. 18, 2004, which claims priority to Swedish Application Serial No. 0302281-1, filed Aug. 21, 2003 and United Kingdom Application Serial No. 0412448.3 filed Jun. 4, 2004.

The present invention relates to substituted phenoxyacetic acids as useful pharmaceutical compounds for treating respiratory disorders, pharmaceutical compositions containing them, and processes for their preparation.

EPA 1 170 594 discloses methods for the identification of compounds useful for the treatment of disease states mediated by prostaglandin D2, a ligand for orphan receptor CRTH2. GB 1356834 discloses a series of compounds said to possess anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activity. It has been found that certain phenoxyacetic acids are active at the CRTH2 receptor, and as a consequence are expected to be potentially useful for the treatment of various respiratory diseases, including asthma and COPD.

In a first aspect the invention therefore provides a method of treatment of human diseases or conditions in which modulation of CRTh2 receptor activity is beneficial, which comprises administering to a patient a compound of formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof:

in which:

W is O, S(O)_(n) (where n is 0, 1 or 2), NR¹⁵, CR¹OR² or CR¹R²

X is hydrogen, halogen, cyano, nitro, S(O)_(n) R⁶, OR¹² or C₁₋₆alkyl which may be substituted by one or more halogen atoms;

Y is selected from hydrogen, halogen, CN, nitro, SO₂R³, OR⁴, SR⁴, SOR³, SO₂NR⁴R⁵, CONR⁴R⁵, NR⁴R⁵, NR⁶SO₂R³, NR⁶CO₂R⁶, NR⁶COR³, C₂-C₆ alkenyl, C₂-C₆ alkynyl, C₃-C₇ cycloalkyl or C₁₋₆alkyl, the latter four groups being optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from halogen, OR⁶ and NR⁶R⁷, S(O)_(n)R⁶ where n is 0, 1 or 2;

Z is aryl or heteroaryl, optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, CN, OH, SH, nitro, CO₂R⁶, SO₂R⁹, OR⁹, SR⁹, SOR⁹, SO₂NR¹⁰R¹¹, CONR¹⁰R¹¹, NR¹⁰R¹¹, NHSO₂R⁹, NR⁹SO₂R⁹, NR⁶CO₂R⁶, NHCOR⁹, NR⁹COR⁹, aryl, heteroaryl, C₂-C₆ alkenyl, C₂-C₆ alkynyl, C₃-C₇ cycloalkyl or C₁₋₆alkyl, the latter four groups being optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from halogen, C₃-C₇ cycloalkyl, OR⁶, NR⁶R⁷, S(O)_(n)R⁶ (where n is 0, 1 or 2), CONR⁶R⁷, NR⁶COR⁷, SO₂NR⁶R⁷ and NR⁶SO₂R⁷.

R¹ and R² independently represent a hydrogen atom, halogen, C₂-C₆ alkenyl, C₂-C₆ alkynyl, C₃-C₇ cycloalkyl or a C₁₋₆alkyl group, the latter four groups being optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from halogen, C₃-C₇ cycloalkyl, NR⁶R⁷, OR⁶, S(O)_(n)R⁶ (where n is 0, 1 or 2);

or

R¹ and R² together can form a 3-8 membered ring optionally containing one or more atoms selected from O, S, NR⁶ and itself optionally substituted by one or more C₁-C₃ alkyl or halogen;

R³ represents C₃-C₇ cycloalkyl or C₁₋₆alkyl either of which may be optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from halogen, C₃-C₇ cycloalkyl, OR⁶ and NR⁶R⁷, S(O)_(n)R⁶ (where n=0, 1 or 2), CONR⁶R⁷, NR⁶COR⁷, SO₂NR⁶R⁷ and NR⁶SO₂R⁷;

R⁴ and R⁵ independently represent hydrogen, C₃-C₇ cycloalkyl or C₁₋₆alkyl, the latter two groups being optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from halogen, C₃-C₇ cycloalkyl, OR⁶ and NR⁶R⁷, S(O)_(n)R⁶ (where n=0, 1 or 2), CONR⁶R⁷, NR⁶COR⁷, SO₂NR⁶R⁷ and NR⁶SO₂R⁷;

or

R⁴ and R⁵ together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached can form a 3-8 membered saturated heterocylic ring optionally containing one or more atoms selected from O, S(O)_(n) (where n=0, 1 or 2), NR⁸, and itself optionally substituted by halogen or C₁₋₃ alkyl;

R⁶ and R⁷ independently represents a hydrogen atom or C₁-C₆ alkyl;

R⁸ is hydrogen, C₁₋₄ alkyl, —COC₁-C₄ alkyl, CO₂C₁-C₄alkyl, SO₂R⁶ or CONR⁶C₁-C₄alkyl;

R⁹ represents aryl, heteroaryl, C₃-C₇ cycloalkyl or C₁₋₆alkyl, the latter two groups may be optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from halogen, C₃-C₇ cycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl OR⁶ and NR⁶R⁷, S(O)_(n)R⁶ (where n=0, 1 or 2), CONR⁶R⁷, NR⁶COR⁷, SO₂NR⁶R⁷ and NR⁶SO₂R⁷;

R¹⁰ and R¹¹ independently represent aryl or heteroaryl, hydrogen, C₃-C₇ cycloalkyl or C₁₋₆alkyl, the latter two groups being optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from halogen, C₃-C₇ cycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, OR⁶ and NR⁶R⁷, S(O)_(n)R⁶ (where n=0, 1 or 2), CONR⁶R⁷, NR⁶COR⁷, SO₂NR⁶R⁷ and NR⁶SO₂R⁷;

or

R¹⁰ and R¹¹ together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached can form a 3-8 membered saturated heterocylic ring optionally containing one or more atoms selected from O, S(O)_(n) (where n=0, 1 or 2), NR⁸, and itself optionally substituted by halogen or C₁-C₃ alkyl,

R¹² represents a hydrogen atom or C₁₋₆alkyl which may be substituted by one or more halogen atoms, and

R¹⁵ represents a hydrogen atom, C₁-C₆ alkyl, SO₂R⁶ or COR⁶.

Examples of aryl include phenyl and naphthyl.

Heteroaryl is defined as a 5-7 membered aromatic ring or can be a 6,6- or 6,5-fused bicyclic ring, all optionally containing one or more heteroatoms selected from N, S and O. Examples include pyridine, pyrimidine, thiazole, oxazole, pyrazole, imidazole, furan, isoxazole, pyrrole, isothiazole and azulene, naphthyl, indene, quinoline, isoquinoline, indole, indolizine, benzo[b]furan, benzo[b]thiophene, 1H-indazole, benzimidazole, benzthiazole, benzoxazole, purine, 4H-quinolizine, cinnoline, phthalazine, quinazoline, quinoxaline, 1,8-naphthyridine, pteridine and quinolone.

Aryl or heteroaryl groups can be optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, CN, OH, SH, nitro, CO₂R⁶, SO₂R⁹, OR⁹, SR⁹, SOR⁹, SO₂NR¹⁰R¹¹, CONR¹⁰R¹¹, NR¹⁰R¹¹, NHSO₂R⁹, NR⁹SO₂R⁹, NR⁶CO₂R⁶, NHCOR⁹, NR⁹COR⁹, aryl, heteroaryl, C₂-C₆ alkenyl, C₂-C₆ alkynyl, C₃-C₇ cycloalkyl or C₁₋₆alkyl, the latter four groups being optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from halogen, C₃-C₇ cycloalkyl, OR⁶, NR⁶R⁷, S(O)_(n)R⁶ (where n is 0, 1 or 2), CONR⁶R⁷, NR⁶COR⁷, SO₂NR⁶R⁷ and NR⁶SO₂R⁷. Substituents can be present at any suitable position on the aryl and heteroaryl rings, including nitrogen atoms where appropriate.

In the context of the present specification, unless otherwise indicated, an alkyl or alkenyl group or an alkyl or alkenyl moiety in a substituent group may be linear or branched.

Heterocyclic rings as defined for R⁴, R⁵ and R¹⁰ and R¹¹ means saturated heterocycles, examples include morpholine, azetidine, pyrrolidine, piperidine and piperazine.

Certain compounds of formula (I) are capable of existing in stereoisomeric forms. It will be understood that the invention encompasses all geometric and optical isomers of the compounds of formula (I) and mixtures thereof including racemates. Tautomers and mixtures thereof also form an aspect of the present invention.

Preferably W is O, S(O)_(n) (where n is 0, 1 or 2), CR¹R² or NR¹⁵ where R¹⁵ is hydrogen or methyl.

More preferably W is O, CH₂ or NR¹⁵ where R¹⁵ is hydrogen or methyl.

Even more preferably W is O, CH₂ or NH.

Most preferably W is O.

Preferably X is halogen, in particular fluoro and chloro, or C₁₋₂alkyl optionally substituted with one or more halogen atoms, such as CF₃.

More preferably X is fluoro, chloro or trifluoromethyl.

Even more preferably X is fluoro or chloro.

Preferably Y is hydrogen, halogen, in particular fluoro and chloro or C₁₋₆-alkyl, such as methyl.

More preferably Y is hydrogen or halogen, in particular fluoro and chloro.

Even more preferably Y is hydrogen.

Preferably Z is phenyl, pyridyl or pyrimidyl, optionally substituted as defined above, more preferably Z is phenyl optionally substituted as defined above.

Preferred substituents for all Z groups include those substituents exemplified herein, in particular halogen, CN, C₁₋₃alkyl optionally substituted with one or more halogen atoms, SO₂R⁹, OR⁹, SR⁹, SOR⁹, SO₂NR¹⁰R¹¹, CONR¹⁰R¹¹, NHSO₂R⁹, NR⁹SO₂R⁹, NHCOR⁹ or NR⁹COR⁹. Preferably R⁹ is methyl or ethyl.

More preferred substituents for all Z groups include halogen, in particular fluoro and chloro, C₁₋₃alkyl optionally substituted with one or more halogen atoms, SO₂R⁹, SO₂NR¹⁰R¹¹, NHSO₂R⁹ or NR⁹SO₂R⁹.

Preferably Z is phenyl substituted by one or two substituents, preferably the substituent in the 4-position is selected from SO₂R⁹, SO₂NR¹⁰R¹¹, NHSO₂R⁹ or NR⁹SO₂R⁹. Preferably R⁹ is methyl or ethyl. Preferably R¹⁰ and R¹¹ are both methyl.

Preferably Z is phenyl substituted by two substituents, preferably the substituent in the 4-position is selected from SO₂R⁹, SO₂NMe₂, NHSO₂R⁹ or NR⁹SO₂R⁹ where R⁹ is methyl or ethyl and the sustituent in the 2- or 3-position is selected from fluoro, chloro or C₁₋₃alkyl optionally substituted with one or more halogen atoms.

Preferably R¹ and R² are independently hydrogen or C₁₋₃ alkyl.

More preferably R¹ and R² are independently hydrogen or methyl.

Preferably when R¹ is alkyl and R² is hydrogen in the acid chain, the S-isomer is preferred

Preferred compounds of formula (I) include those compounds exemplified herein, both in free base form as well as pharmaceutically acceptable salts and solvates thereof.

In a further aspect the invention provides a sub-set of compounds of formula (I), i.e. compounds of formula (IA) or pharmaceutically acceptable salts or solvates thereof:

in which: W is O, CH₂, S(O)_(n) (where n is 0, 1 or 2) or NR¹⁵ where R¹⁵ is hydrogen or methyl; X is halogen or C₁₋₆alkyl which may be substituted by one or more halogen atoms; Y is hydrogen, halogen or C₁₋₆alkyl; Z is phenyl, pyridyl or pyrimidyl each optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from halogen, CN, C₁₋₃alkyl optionally substituted with one or more halogen atoms, SO₂R⁹, OR⁹, SR⁹, SOR⁹, SO₂NR¹⁰R¹¹, CONR¹⁰R¹¹, NHSO₂R⁹, NR⁹SO₂R⁹, NHCOR⁹, NR⁹COR⁹;

R¹ and R² independently represent hydrogen or C₁₋₆alkyl;

R⁶ and R⁷ independently represent hydrogen atom or C₁₋₆alkyl;

R⁸ is hydrogen, C₁₋₄ alkyl, —COC₁-C₄ alkyl, CO₂C₁-C₄alkyl, SO₂R⁶ or CONR⁶C₁-C₄alkyl;

R⁹ is C₁₋₆alkyl optionally substituted by halogen, and

R¹⁰ and R¹¹ independently represent hydrogen or C₁₋₆alkyl, provided that:

-   -   the compounds 2-[4-methyl-2-(benzyl)phenoxy]acetic acid,         2-[4-chloro-2-(benzyl)phenoxy]propanopic acid,         2-[4-bromo-2-(4-chlorophenoxy)phenoxy]propanopic acid and         2-[4-chloro-2-(4-chlorophenoxy)phenoxy]propanopic acid are         excluded;     -   when X is fluoro and W is S, then Z is not         5-fluoro-2-hydroxyphenyl,     -   when X is chloro, Y is 3-methyl, R¹ and R² are both hydrogen and         W is CH₂, then Z is not phenyl.

Suitably W is O, CH₂, S(O)_(n) (where n is 0, 1 or 2) or NR¹⁵ where R¹⁵ is hydrogen or methyl. Preferably W is O, S, CH₂, NH or NMe, more preferably W is O, CH₂ or NH, even more preferably W is O or NH, most preferably W is O.

Preferably R¹ and R² are independently hydrogen or methyl. More preferably R¹ and R² are both hydrogen or one is hydrogen and the other is methyl.

Preferably X is halogen, in particular fluoro and chloro, or C₁₋₂alkyl optionally substituted with one or more halogen atoms, such as CF₃.

More preferably X is fluoro, chloro or trifluoromethyl.

Even more preferably X is fluoro or chloro.

Preferably Y is hydrogen, halogen, in particular fluoro and chloro or C₁₋₆alkyl, such as methyl.

More preferably Y is hydrogen or halogen, in particular fluoro and chloro.

Even more preferably Y is hydrogen.

Preferably Z is phenyl substituted by two substituents, preferably the substituent in the 4-position is selected from SO₂R⁹, SO₂NR¹⁰R¹¹, NHSO₂R⁹ or NR⁹SO₂R⁹ and the sustituent in the 2- or 3-position is selected from fluoro, chloro or C₁₋₃alkyl optionally substituted with one or more halogen atoms. Preferably R⁹ is methyl or ethyl. Preferably R¹⁰ and R¹¹ are both methyl.

Preferred compounds of formula (IA) include:

-   [4-Chloro-2-[[4-(ethylsulfonyl)phenyl]thio]phenoxy]-acetic acid, -   [4-Chloro-2-[[4-(ethylsulfonyl)-2-methylphenyl]thio]phenoxy]-acetic     acid, -   [4-Chloro-2-[4-(ethylsulfonyl)phenoxy]phenoxy]-acetic acid, -   [4-Chloro-2-[[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]amino]phenoxy]-acetic acid, -   (4-Chloro-2-{[2-chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]thio}phenoxy)acetic     acid, -   (4-Chloro-2-{[2-chloro-4-(ethylsulfonyl)phenyl]thio}phenoxy)acetic     acid, -   (4-Chloro-2-{[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]thio}phenoxy)acetic acid, -   {4-Chloro-2-[(5-chloropyridin-2-yl)thio]phenoxy}acetic acid, -   {4-Chloro-2-[(2-chloro-4-cyanophenyl)thio]phenoxy}acetic acid, -   (4-Chloro-2-{[2-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]thio}phenoxy)acetic acid, -   (4-Chloro-2-{[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]sulfinyl}phenoxy)acetic acid, -   (4-Chloro-2-{[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]sulfonyl}phenoxy)acetic acid, -   [4-Chloro-2-({4-[(methylamino)carbonyl]phenyl}thio)phenoxy]acetic     acid, -   (2S)-2-(4-Chloro-2-{[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]thio}phenoxy)propanoic     acid, -   (2R)-2-(4-Chloro-2-{[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]thio}phenoxy)propanoic     acid, -   (2S)-2-(4-Chloro-2-{[2-chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]thio}phenoxy)propanoic     acid, -   (2S)-2-(4-Chloro-2-{[2-chloro-4-(ethylsulfonyl)phenyl]thio}phenoxy)propanoic     acid, -   2-(4-Chloro-2-{[2-chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]thio}phenoxy)-2-methylpropanoic     acid, -   {4-Chloro-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenoxy]phenoxy}acetic acid, -   {4-Chloro-2-[2-chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenoxy]phenoxy}acetic acid, -   {4-Chloro-2-[2-chloro-4-(ethylsulfonyl)phenoxy]phenoxy}acetic acid, -   (2S)-2-{4-Chloro-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenoxy]phenoxy}propanoic     acid, -   (2S)-2-{4-Chloro-2-[2-chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenoxy]phenoxy}propanoic     acid, -   (2S)-2-{4-Chloro-2-[2-chloro-4-(ethylsulfonyl)phenoxy]phenoxy}propanoic     acid, -   {4,5-Dichloro-2-[2-chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenoxy]phenoxy}acetic     acid, -   {2-[2-Chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenoxy]-4,5-difluorophenoxy}acetic     acid, -   2-{4-Chloro-2-[2-chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenoxy]phenoxy}-2-methylpropanoic     acid, -   (4-Chloro-2-{[2-chloro-4-(ethylsulfonyl)phenyl]amino}phenoxy)acetic     acid, -   (4-Chloro-2-{[2-chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]amino}phenoxy)acetic     acid, -   [2-{[2-Chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]thio}-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]acetic     acid, -   (2S)-2-[2-{[2-Chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]thio}-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]propanoic     acid, -   [2-{[2-Chloro-4-(ethylsulfonyl)phenyl]thio}-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]acetic     acid, -   (2S)-2-[2-{[2-Chloro-4-(ethylsulfonyl)phenyl]thio}-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]propanoic     acid, -   [2-({4-[(Dimethylamino)sulfonyl]phenyl}thio)-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]acetic     acid, -   [2-[2-Chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenoxy]-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]acetic     acid, -   [2-[2-Chloro-4-(ethylsulfonyl)phenoxy]-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]acetic     acid, -   2-[2-[2-Chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenoxy]-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]butanoic     acid, -   [2-{4-[(Dimethylamino)sulfonyl]phenoxy}-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]acetic     acid, -   (2S)-2-[2-{4-[(Dimethylamino)sulfonyl]phenoxy}-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]propanoic     acid, -   {2-[2-Chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenoxy]-4-fluorophenoxy}acetic acid, -   {2-[2-Chloro-4-(ethylsulfonyl)phenoxy]-4-fluorophenoxy}acetic acid, -   2-{2-[2-Chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenoxy]-4fluorophenoxy}-2-methylpropanoic     acid, -   (2-{[2-chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]thio}-4-fluorophenoxy)acetic     acid, -   (2-{[2-Chloro-4-(ethylsulfonyl)phenyl]thio}-4fluorophenoxy)acetic     acid, -   2-(2-{[2-Chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]thio}4-fluorophenoxy)-2-methylpropanoic     acid, -   (2-{2-Chloro-4-[(ethylsulfonyl)amino]phenoxy}-4-fluorophenoxy)acetic     acid, -   (2S)-2-(4-Chloro-2-{[2-chloro-4-(ethylsulfonyl)phenyl]amino}phenoxy)propanoic     acid, -   2-(4-Chloro-2-{[2-chloro-4-(ethylsulfonyl)phenyl]amino}phenoxy)-2-methylpropanoic     acid, -   (2S)-2-(4-Chloro-2-{[2-chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]amino}phenoxy)propanoic     acid, -   2-(4-Chloro-2-{[2-chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]amino}phenoxy)-2-methylpropanoic     acid, -   [4-Chloro-2-(pyrimidin-5-yloxy)phenoxy]acetic acid, -   [4-Chloro-2-(quinolin-3-yloxy)phenoxy]acetic acid, -   (2-{[2-Chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]amino}-4-fluorophenoxy)acetic     acid, -   (2S)-2-(2-{[2-Chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]amino}-4-fluorophenoxy)propanoic     acid, -   {4-Chloro-2-[[2-chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl](methyl)amino]phenoxy}acetic     acid, -   {4-Chloro-2-[[2-chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl](ethyl)amino]phenoxy}acetic     acid, -   (2-{[2-Chloro-4-(ethylsulfonyl)phenyl]amino}-4-fluorophenoxy)acetic     acid, -   {2-[2-Chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenoxy]phenoxy}acetic acid, -   {4-Chloro-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]phenoxy}acetic     acid, -   [4-Chloro-2-(quinolin-8-ylthio)phenoxy]acetic acid, -   (2S)-2-[4-Chloro-2-(4-nitrophenoxy)phenoxy]-propanoic acid, -   (2S)-2-(2-{[2-Chloro-4-(ethylsulfonyl)phenyl]amino}-4-fluorophenoxy)propanoic     acid, -   2-(2-{[2-Chloro-4-(ethylsulfonyl)phenyl]amino}-4-fluorophenoxy)-2-methylpropanoic     acid, -   [2-{[2-Chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]amino}-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]acetic     acid, -   [2-{[2-Chloro-4-(ethylsulfonyl)phenyl]amino}-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]acetic     acid -   [2-[4-(Ethylsulfonyl)benzyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]acetic acid, -   [4-Chloro-2-(3-cyanobenzyl)phenoxy]acetic acid,     and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and solvates thereof.

The compound of formula (I) above may be converted to a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, preferably a basic addition salt such as sodium, potassium, calcium, aluminium, lithium, magnesium, zinc, benzathine, chloroprocaine, choline, tert-butylamine, diethanolamine, ethanolamine, ethyldiamine, meglumine, tromethamine or procaine, or an acid addition salt such as a hydrochloride, hydrobromide, phosphate, acetate, fumarate, maleate, tartrate, citrate, oxalate, methanesulphonate or p-toluenesulphonate.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that in the processes of the present invention certain functional groups in the starting reagents or intermediate compound may need to be protected by protecting groups. Thus, the preparation of the compound of formula (I) may involve, at an appropriate stage, the removal of one or more protecting groups. The protection and deprotection of functional groups is fully described in ‘Protective Groups in Organic Chemistry’, edited by J. W. F. McOmie, Plenum Press (1973), and ‘Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis’, 3rd edition, T. W. Greene & P. G. M. Wuts, Wiley-Interscience (1999).

Compounds of formula (I) can be prepared by reaction of a compound of formula (II):

in which W, X, Y and Z are as defined in formula (I) or are protected derivatives thereof, with a compound of formula (III): L-CR¹R²CO₂R¹³  (III)

Where R¹ and R² are as defined in formula (I) or are protected derivatives thereof, R¹³ is H or C₁-C₁₀ alkyl group and L is a leaving group, and optionally thereafter in any order:

-   -   removing any protecting group     -   hydrolysing the ester group R¹³ to the corresponding acid     -   oxidation of sulphides to sulphoxides or sulphones     -   forming a pharmaceutically acceptable salt.

The reaction can be carried out in a suitable solvent such as DMF using a base such as potassium carbonate or the like. Suitable groups R¹³ include C₁₋₆ alkyl groups such as methyl, ethyl or tert-butyl. Suitable L is a leaving group such as halo, in particular chlorine or bromine. L may also be hydroxy so that a Mitsunobu reaction may be performed with compound (B) using for example triphenylphosphine and diethyl azodicarboxylate.

Hydrolysis of the ester group R¹³ can be carried out using routine procedures, for example treatment of methyl and ethyl esters with aqueous sodium hydroxide, and treatment of tert-butyl esters with acids such as trifluoroacetic acid.

Preferred intermediates of formula (II) include

-   4-Chloro-2-[[4-(ethylsulfonyl)-2-methylphenyl]thio]-phenol, -   4-Chloro-2-{[2-chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]thio}phenol, -   4-Chloro-2-{[2-chloro-4-(ethylsulfonyl)phenyl]thio}phenol, -   4-Chloro-2-[2-chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenoxy]phenol, -   4-Chloro-2-[2-chloro-4-(ethylsulfonyl)phenoxy]phenol, -   2-{[2-Chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]thio}-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenol, -   2-{[2-Chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]thio}-4-fluorophenol, -   4-Chloro-2-{[2-chloro-4-(ethylsulfonyl)phenyl]amino}phenol, -   2-{[2-Chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]amino}-4-fluorophenol, -   2-{[2-Chloro-4-(ethylsulfonyl)phenyl]amino}-4-fluorophenol, -   2-{[2-Chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]amino}-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenol, -   2-{[2-Chloro-4-(ethylsulfonyl)phenyl]amino}-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenol

Compounds of formula (II) can be prepared by reaction of a compound of formula (IV) with a compound of formula (V) followed by deprotection of R¹⁴ when R¹⁴ is not equal to H:

in which X, Y and Z are as defined in formula (I) or are protected derivatives thereof, V is S, NR⁶ or O. R¹⁴ is H or a suitable protecting group, for example benzyl, L¹ is iodide, bromide, chloride, fluoride or activated alcohol such as triflate.

The reaction can be carried out in a suitable solvent such as 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone with a base such as potassium carbonate, preferably at elevated temperatures. The reaction may also be catalysed with palladium or copper catalysts.

Preferred intermediates of formula (V) include

-   3-Chloro-4-fluorophenyl methyl sulfone, -   3-Chloro-4-fluorophenyl ethyl sulfone

The sequence of the steps above may be changed, for example a compound of formula (VI) may be formed by the reaction of a compound of formula (VII) with a compound of formula (V).

Preferred intermediates of formula (VII) include

-   2-(4-Chloro-2-hydroxyphenoxy)-2-methylpropanoic acid, -   (4-Fluoro-2-hydroxyphenoxy)acetic acid, -   2-(4-Fluoro-2-hydroxyphenoxy)-2-methylpropanoic acid, -   (2S)-2-(4-Chloro-2-hydroxyphenoxy)propanoic acid

Compounds of formula (I) can be prepared from a compound of formula (VIII) by formation of an organometallic (IX) followed by reaction with an electrophile such as (X) or (XI), then deprotection of R¹⁴ as outlined in Scheme I.

in which X, Y are as defined in formula (I) or are protected derivatives thereof, W is defined as CR¹OR^(2 or CR) ¹R², R¹³ is as defined in formula (IV), E is hydrogen or halogen and M is a metal such as Na or Li. For example when R¹⁴ is benzyl and E is bromine, butyl lithium can be used to form the intermediate (IX) where M=Li. The reaction is performed at −78° C. in THF, then quenched with an electrophile such as (X) or (XI). When R²═OH, this may be removed by reduction, for example hydrogenation with Pd/C. The protecting group R¹⁴ may then be removed

Compounds of formula (IV), where V═S can be prepared by reaction of a compound of formula (IX) with elemental sulphur.

Compounds of formula (I), where W═N can be prepared by reaction of a compound of formula (XII) with a compound of formula (V)

in which X, Y, R¹ and R² are as defined in formula (I) or are protected derivatives thereof, The reaction can be carried out in a suitable solvent such as 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone with a base such as potassium carbonate, preferably at elevated temperatures.

Compounds of formula (II), where W═N can be prepared by reaction of a compound of formula (XII) with a compound of formula (V).

The reaction can be carried out in a suitable solvent such as 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone with a base such as potassium carbonate, preferably at elevated temperatures.

Compounds of formula (II), where W═C can be prepared by reaction of a compound of formula (XIV) with a compound of formula (XV)

in which X, Y, R¹, R², R¹⁴, Z and L are as defined as above or are protected derivatives thereof,

The reaction can be carried out in a suitable solvent such as ethylene glycoldimethylether with a base such as sodium carbonate and a palladium catalyst, preferably at elevated temperatures.

Compounds of formula (I) and compound of formula (II), where can be prepared by reaction of a compound of formula (XVI) or a compound of formula (XVII) with a compound of formula (XVIII)

in which X, Y, R¹, R², R¹³, R¹⁴, Z and W are as defined as above or are protected derivatives thereof, G is halogen, triflate or boronic acid. The reaction can be carried out in a suitable solvent such as iso-propanol with a base such as potassium carbonate and a metal catalyst, such as copper, preferably at elevated temperatures.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides the use of a novel compound of formula (I)/(IA), and pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof for use in therapy.

The compounds of formula (I) have activity as pharmaceuticals, in particular as modulators of CRTh2 receptor activity, and may be used in the treatment (therapeutic or prophylactic) of conditions/diseases in human and non-human animals which are exacerbated or caused by excessive or unregulated production of PGD₂ and its metabolites. Examples of such conditions/diseases include:

-   -   (1) (respiratory tract)—obstructive diseases of the airways         including: asthma, including bronchial, allergic, intrinsic,         extrinsic, exercise-induced, drug-induced (including aspirin and         NSAID-induced) and dust-induced asthma, both intermittent and         persistent and of all severities, and other causes of airway         hyper-responsiveness; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease         (COPD); bronchitis, including infectious and eosinophilic         bronchitis; emphysema; bronchiectasis; cystic fibrosis;         sarcoidosis; farmer's lung and related diseases;         hypersensitivity pneumonitis; lung fibrosis, including         cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis, idiopathic interstitial         pneumonias, fibrosis complicating anti-neoplastic therapy and         chronic infection, including tuberculosis and aspergillosis and         other fungal infections; complications of lung transplantation;         vasculitic and thrombotic disorders of the lung vasculature, and         pulmonary hypertension; antitussive activity including treatment         of chronic cough associated with inflammatory and secretory         conditions of the airways, and iatrogenic cough; acute and         chronic rhinitis including rhinitis medicamentosa, and vasomotor         rhinitis; perennial and seasonal allergic rhinitis including         rhinitis nervosa (hay fever); nasal polyposis; acute viral         infection including the common cold, and infection due to         respiratory syncytial virus, influenza, coronavirus (including         SARS) and adenovirus.     -   (2) (bone and joints) arthritides associated with or including         osteoarthritis/osteoarthrosis, both primary and secondary to         e.g. congenital hip dysplasia; cervical and lumbar spondylitis,         and low back and neck pain; rheumatoid arthritis and Still's         disease; seronegative spondyloarthropathies including ankylosing         spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, reactive arthritis and         undifferentiated spondarthropathy; septic arthritis and other         infection-related arthopathies and bone disorders such as         tuberculosis, including Potts' disease and Poncet's syndrome;         acute and chronic crystal-induced synovitis including urate         gout, calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease, and calcium         apatite related tendon, bursal and synovial inflammation;         Behcet's disease; primary and secondary Sjogren's syndrome;         systemic sclerosis and limited scleroderma; systemic lupus         erythematosus, mixed connective tissue disease, and         undifferentiated connective tissue disease; inflammatory         myopathies including dermatomyositits and polymyositis;         polymalgia rheumatica; juvenile arthritis including idiopathic         inflammatory arthritides of whatever joint distribution and         associated syndromes, and rheumatic fever and its systemic         complications; vasculitides including giant cell arteritis,         Takayasu's arteritis, Churg-Strauss syndrome, polyarteritis         nodosa, microscopic polyarteritis, and vasculitides associated         with viral infection, hypersensitivity reactions, cryoglobulins,         and paraproteins; low back pain; Familial Mediterranean fever,         Muckle-Wells syndrome, and Familial Hibernian Fever, Kikuchi         disease; drug-induced arthalgias, tendonititides, and         myopathies.     -   (3) (skin) psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis or         other eczematous dermatoses, and delayed-type hypersensitivity         reactions; phyto- and photodermatitis; seborrhoeic dermatitis,         dermatitis herpetiformis, lichen planus, lichen sclerosus et         atrophica, pyoderma gangrenosum, skin sarcoid, discoid lupus         erythematosus, pemphigus, pemphigoid, epidermolysis bullosa,         urticaria, angioedema, vasculitides, toxic erythemas, cutaneous         eosinophilias, alopecia greata, male-pattern baldness, Sweet's         syndrome, Weber-Christian syndrome, erythema multiforme;         cellulitis, both infective and non-infective; panniculitis;         cutaneous lymphomas, non-melanoma skin cancer and other         dysplastic lesions; drug-induced disorders including fixed drug         eruptions.     -   (4) (eyes) blepharitis; conjunctivitis, including perennial and         vernal allergic conjunctivitis; iritis; anterior and posterior         uveitis; choroiditis; autoimmune; degenerative or inflammatory         disorders affecting the retina; ophthalmitis including         sympathetic ophthalmitis; sarcoidosis; infections including         viral, fungal, and bacterial.     -   (5) (gastrointestinal tract) glossitis, gingivitis,         periodontitis; oesophagitis, including reflux; eosinophilic         gastro-enteritis, mastocytosis, Crohn's disease, colitis         including ulcerative colitis, proctitis, pruritis ani; coeliac         disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and food-related allergies         which may have effects remote from the gut (for example         migraine, rhinitis or eczema).     -   (6) (abdominal) hepatitis, including autoimmune, alcoholic and         viral; fibrosis and cirrhosis of the liver; cholecystitis;         pancreatitis, both acute and chronic.     -   (7) (genitourinary) nephritis including interstitial and         glomerulonephritis; nephrotic syndrome; cystitis including acute         and chronic (interstitial) cystitis and Hunner's ulcer; acute         and chronic urethritis, prostatitis, epididymitis, oophoritis         and salpingitis; vulvo-vaginitis; Peyronie's disease; erectile         dysfunction (both male and female).     -   (8) (Allograft rejection) acute and chronic following, for         example, transplantation of kidney, heart, liver, lung, bone         marrow, skin or cornea or following blood transfusion; or         chronic graft versus host disease;     -   (9) (CNS) Alzheimer's disease and other dementing disorders         including CJD and nvCJD; amyloidosis; multiple sclerosis and         other demyelinating syndromes; cerebral atherosclerosis and         vasculitis; temporal arteritis; myasthenia gravis; acute and         chronic pain (acute, intermittent or persistent, whether of         central or peripheral origin) including visceral pain, headache,         migraine, trigeminal neuralgia, atypical facial pain, joint and         bone pain, pain arising from cancer and tumor invasion,         neuropathic pain syndromes including diabetic, post-herpetic,         and HIV-associated neuropathies; neurosarcoidosis; central and         peripheral nervous system complications of malignant, infectious         or autoimmune processes.     -   (10) Other auto-immune and allergic disorders including         Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Graves' disease, Addison's disease,         diabetes mellitus, idiopathic thrombocytopaenic purpura,         eosinophilic fasciitis, hyper-IgE syndrome, antiphospholipid         syndrome.     -   (11) Other disorders with an inflammatory or immunological         component; including acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS),         leprosy, Sezary syndrome, and paraneoplastic syndromes.     -   (12) (Cardiovascular); atherosclerosis, affecting the coronary         and peripheral circulation; pericarditis; myocarditis,         inflammatory and auto-immune cardiomyopathies including         myocardial sarcoid; ischaemic reperfusion injuries;         endocarditis, valvulitis, and aortitis including infective (e.g.         syphilitic); vasculitides; disorders of the proximal and         peripheral veins including phlebitis and thrombosis, including         deep vein thrombosis and complications of varicose veins.     -   (13) (Oncology) treatment of common cancers including prostate,         breast, lung, ovarian, pancreatic, bowel and colon, stomach,         skin and brain tumors and malignancies affecting the bone marrow         (including the leukaemias) and lymphoproliferative systems, such         as Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma; including the         prevention and treatment of metastatic disease and tumour         recurrences, and paraneoplastic syndromes.     -   (14) Diseases associated with raised levels of PGD₂ or its         metabolites.

Thus, the present invention provides a compound of formula (IA), or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt or solvate thereof, as hereinbefore defined for use in therapy.

Preferably the compounds (I)/(IA) of the invention are used to treat diseases in which the chemokine receptor belongs to the CRTh2 receptor subfamily.

Particular conditions which can be treated with the compounds of the invention are asthma, rhinitis and other diseases in which raised levels of PGD₂ or its metabolites. It is preferred that the compounds of the invention are used to treat asthma or rhinitis.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides the use of a compound of formula (I)/(IA), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, as hereinbefore defined in the manufacture of a medicament for use in therapy.

The invention further relates to combination therapies wherein a compound of formula (I)/(IA) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or in vivo hydrolysable ester thereof, or a pharmaceutical composition or formulation comprising a compound of formula (I)/(IA) is administered concurrently or sequentially or as a combined preparation with another therapeutic agent or agents, for the treatment of one or more of the conditions listed.

In particular, for the treatment of the inflammatory diseases rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease, COPD, asthma and allergic rhinitis the compounds of the invention may be combined with agents such as tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) inhibitors such as anti-TNF monoclonal antibodies (for example Remicade, CDP-870 and adalimumab) and TNF receptor immunoglobulin molecules (such as Enbrel); non-selective cyclo-oxygenase (COX)-1/COX-2 inhibitors whether applied topically or systemically (such as piroxicam, diclofenac, propionic acids such as naproxen, flubiprofen, fenoprofen, ketoprofen and ibuprofen, fenamates such as mefenamic acid, indomethacin, sulindac, azapropazone, pyrazolones such as phenylbutazone, salicylates such as aspirin), COX-2 inhibitors (such as meloxicam, celecoxib, rofecoxib, valdecoxib, lumarocoxib, parecoxib and etoricoxib); glucocorticosteroids (whether administered by topical, oral, intramuscular, intravenous, or intra-articular routes); methotrexate, lefunomide; hydroxychloroquine, d-penicillamine, auranofin or other parenteral or oral gold preparations.

The present invention still further relates to the combination of a compound of the invention together with a leukotriene biosynthesis inhibitor, 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) inhibitor or 5-lipoxygenase activating protein (FLAP) antagonist such as; zileuton; ABT-761; fenleuton; tepoxalin; Abbott-79175; Abbott-85761; N-(5-substituted)-thiophene-2-alkylsulfonamides; 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol hydrazones; methoxytetrahydropyrans such as Zeneca ZD-2138; the compound SB-210661; pyridinyl-substituted 2-cyanonaphthalene compounds such as L-739,010; 2-cyanoquinoline compounds such as L-746,530; indole and quinoline compounds such as MK-591, MK-886, and BAY×1005.

The present invention still further relates to the combination of a compound of the invention together with a receptor antagonist for leukotrienes(LT)B4, LTC4, LTD4, and LTE4. selected from the group consisting of the phenothiazin-3-1s such as L-651,392; amidino compounds such as CGS-25019c; benzoxalamines such as ontazolast; benzenecarboximidamides such as BIIL 284/260; and compounds such as zafirlukast, ablukast, montelukast, pranlukast, verlukast (MK-679), RG-12525, Ro-245913, iralukast (CGP 45715A), and BAY×7195.

The present invention still further relates to the combination of a compound of the invention together with a phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitor such as the methylxanthanines including theophylline and aminophylline; and selective PDE isoenzyme inhibitors including PDE4 inhibitors and inhibitors of the isoform PDE4D, and inhibitors of PDE5.

The present invention still further relates to the combination of a compound of the invention together with histamine type 1 receptor antagonists such as cetirizine, loratadine, desloratadine, fexofenadine, acrivastine, terfenadine, astemizole, azelastine, levocabastine, chlorpheniramine, promethazine, cyclizine, and mizolastine applied orally, topically or parenterally.

The present invention still further relates to the combination of a compound of the invention together with a gastroprotective histamine type 2 receptor antagonist.

The present invention still further relates to the combination of a compound of the invention with antagonists of the histamine type 4 receptor.

The present invention still further relates to the combination of a compound of the invention together with an alpha-1/alpha-2 adrenoceptor agonist vasoconstrictor sympathomimetic agent, such as propylhexedrine, phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine, ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, naphazoline hydrochloride, oxymetazoline hydrochloride, tetrahydrozoline hydrochloride, xylometazoline hydrochloride, tramazoline hydrochloride, and ethylnorepinephrine hydrochloride.

The present invention still further relates to the combination of a compound of the invention together with anticholinergic agents including muscarinic receptor (M1, M2, and M3) antagonists such as atropine, hyoscine, glycpyrrrolate, ipratropium bromide; tiotropium bromide; oxitropium bromide; pirenzepine; and telenzepine.

The present invention still further relates to the combination of a compound of the invention together with a beta-adrenoceptor agonist (including beta receptor subtypes 1-4) such as isoprenaline, salbutamol, formoterol, salmeterol, terbutaline, orciprenaline, bitolterol mesylate, and pirbuterol.

The present invention still further relates to the combination of a compound of the invention together with a chromone, including sodium cromoglycate and nedocromil sodium.

The present invention still further relates to the combination of a compound of the invention together with an insulin-like growth factor type I (IGF-1) mimetic.

The present invention still further relates to the combination of a compound of the invention together with an inhaled glucocorticoid, such as flunisolide, triamcinolone acetonide, beclomethasone dipropionate, budesonide, fluticasone propionate, ciclesonide, and mometasone furoate.

The present invention still further relates to the combination of a compound of the invention together with an inhibitor of matrix metalloproteases (MMPs), i.e., the stromelysins, the collagenases, and the gelatinases, as well as aggrecanase; especially collagenase-1 (MMP-1), collagenase-2 (MMP-8), collagenase-3 (MMP-13), stromelysin-1 (MMP-3), stromelysin-2 (MMP-10), and stromelysin-3 (MMP-11) and MMP-9 and MMP-12.

The present invention still further relates to the combination of a compound of the invention together with modulators of chemokine receptor function such as antagonists of CCR1, CCR2, CCR2A, CCR2B, CCR3, CCR4, CCR5, CCR6, CCR7, CCR8, CCR9, CCR10 and CCR11 (for the C-C family); CXCR1, CXCR2, CXCR3, CXCR4 and CXCR5 (for the C—X—C family) and CX₃CR1 for the C—X₃—C family.

The present invention still further relates to the combination of a compound of the invention together with a cytokine or modulator of cytokine function, including alpha-, beta-, and gamma-interferon; interleukins (IL) including IL1 to 15, and interleukin antagonists or inhibitors, including agents which act on cytokine signalling pathways.

The present invention still further relates to the combination of a compound of the invention together with an immunoglobulin (Ig) or Ig preparation or an antagonist or antibody modulating Ig function such as anti-IgE (omalizumab).

The present invention still further relates to the combination of a compound of the invention together with other systemic or topically-applied anti-inflammatory agents including thalidomide and derivatives, retinoids, dithranol, and calcipotriol.

The present invention still further relates to the combination of a compound of the invention together with an antibacterial agent including penicillin derivatives, tetracyclines, macrolides, beta-lactams, flouroquinolones, and inhaled aminoglycosides; and antiviral agents including acyclovir, famciclovir, valaciclovir, ganciclovir, cidofovir; amantadine, rimantadine; ribavirin; zanamavir and oseltamavir, protease inhibitors such as indinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, and saquinavir; nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors such as didanosine, lamivudine, stavudine, zalcitabine, zidovudine; non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors such as nevirapine, efavirenz.

The present invention still further relates to the combination of a compound of the invention together with cardiovascular agents such as calcium channel blockers, beta-adrenoceptor blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin-2 receptor antagonists; lipid lowering agents such as statins, and fibrates; modulators of blood cell morphology such as pentoxyfylline; thrombolytics, and anticoagulants including platelet aggregation inhibitors.

The present invention still further relates to the combination of a compound of the invention together with CNS agents such as antidepressants (such as sertraline), anti-Parkinsonian drugs (such as deprenyl, L-dopa, Requip, Mirapex, MAOB inhibitors such as selegine and rasagiline, comP inhibitors such as Tasmar, A-2 inhibitors, dopamine reuptake inhibitors, NMDA antagonists, nicotine agonists, dopamine agonists and inhibitors of neuronal nitric oxide synthase), and anti-Alzheimer's drugs such as donepezil, tacrine, COX-2 inhibitors, propentofylline or metrifonate.

The present invention still further relates to the combination of a compound of the invention together with agents for the treatment of acute and chronic pain, including centrally and peripherally-acting analgesics such as opioid analogues and derivatives, carbamazepine, phenytoin, sodium valproate, amitryptiline and other antidepressant agents, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents.

The present invention still further relates to the combination of a compound of the invention together with parenterally or topically-applied local anaesthetic agents such as lignocaine.

The present invention still further relates to the combination of a compound of the invention together with (i) tryptase inhibitors; (ii) platelet activating factor (PAF) antagonists; (iii) interleukin converting enzyme (ICE) inhibitors; (iv) IPDH inhibitors; (v) adhesion molecule inhibitors including VLA-4 antagonists; (vi) cathepsins; (vii) MAP kinase inhibitors; (viii) glucose-6 phosphate dehydrogenase inhibitors; (ix) kinin-B.sub1.- and B.sub2.-receptor antagonists; (x) anti-gout agents, e.g., colchicine; (xi) xanthine oxidase inhibitors, e.g., allopurinol; (xii) uricosuric agents, e.g., probenecid, sulfinpyrazone, and benzbromarone; (xiii) growth hormone secretagogues; (xiv) transforming growth factor (TGFβ); (xv) platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF); (xvi) fibroblast growth factor, e.g., basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF); (xvii) granulocyte is macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF); (xviii) capsaicin cream; (xix) Tachykinin NK.sub1. and NK.sub3. receptor antagonists selected from the group consisting of NKP-608C; SB-233412 (talnetant); and D-4418; (xx) elastase inhibitors selected from the group consisting of UT-77 and ZD-0892; (xxi) TNF□ converting enzyme inhibitors (TACE); (xxii) induced nitric oxide synthase inhibitors (iNOS) or (xxiii) chemoattractant receptor-homologous molecule expressed on TH2 cells, (CRTH2 antagonists) (xxiv) inhibitors of P38

The compounds of the present invention may also be used in combination with anti-osteoporosis agents including hormonal agents such as raloxifene, and biphosphonates such as alendronate.

The compounds of the invention may also be used in combination with existing therapeutic agents for the treatment of osteoarthritis. Suitable agents to be used in combination include standard non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (hereinafter NSAIDs) such as piroxicam, diclofenac, propionic acids such as naproxen, flubiprofen, fenoprofen, ketoprofen and ibuprofen, fenamates such as mefenamic acid, indomethacin, sulindac, apazone, pyrazolones such as phenylbutazone, salicylates such as aspirin, COX-2 inhibitors such as celecoxib, valdecoxib, rofecoxib and etoricoxib, analgesics, and intra-articular therapies such as corticosteroids and hyaluronic acid derivatives, and nutritional supplements such as glucosamine.

The compounds of the invention can also be used in combination with existing therapeutic agents for the treatment of cancer. Suitable agents to be used in combination include:

-   (i) antiproliferative/antineoplastic drugs and combinations thereof,     as used in medical oncology, such as alkylating agents (for example     cis-platin, carboplatin, cyclophosphamide, nitrogen mustard,     melphalan, chlorambucil, busulphan and nitrosoureas);     antimetabolites (for example antifolates such as fluoropyrimidines     like 5-fluorouracil and tegafur, raltitrexed, methotrexate, cytosine     arabinoside, hydroxyurea, gemcitabine and paclitaxel; antitumour     antibiotics (for example anthracyclines like adriamycin, bleomycin,     doxorubicin, daunomycin, epirubicin, idarubicin, mitomycin-C,     dactinomycin and mithramycin); antimitotic agents (for example vinca     alkaloids like vincristine, vinblastine, vindesine and vinorelbine     and taxoids like taxol and taxotere); and topoisomerase inhibitors     (for example epipodophyllotoxins like etoposide and teniposide,     amsacrine, topotecan and camptothecins); -   (ii) cytostatic agents such as antioestrogens (for example     tamoxifen, toremifene, raloxifene, droloxifene and iodoxyfene),     oestrogen receptor down regulators (for example fulvestrant),     antiandrogens (for example bicalutamide, flutamide, nilutamide and     cyproterone acetate), LHRH antagonists or LHRH agonists (for example     goserelin, leuprorelin and buserelin), progestogens (for example     megestrol acetate), aromatase inhibitors (for example as     anastrozole, letrozole, vorazole and exemestane) and inhibitors of     5α-reductase such as finasteride; -   (iii) Agents which inhibit cancer cell invasion (for example     metalloproteinase inhibitors like marimastat and inhibitors of     urokinase plasminogen activator receptor function); -   (iv) inhibitors of growth factor function, for example such     inhibitors include growth factor antibodies, growth factor receptor     antibodies (for example the anti-erbb2 antibody trastuzumab and the     anti-erbb1 antibody cetuximab [C225]), farnesyl transferase     inhibitors, tyrosine kinase inhibitors and serine/threonine kinase     inhibitors, for example inhibitors of the epidermal growth factor     family (for example EGFR family tyrosine kinase inhibitors such as     N-(3-chloro-4-fluorophenyl)-7-methoxy-6-(3-morpholinopropoxy)quinazolin-4-amine     (gefitinib, AZD1839),     N-(3-ethynylphenyl)-6,7-bis(2-methoxyethoxy)quinazolin-4-amine     (erlotinib, OSI-774) and     6-acrylamido-N-(3-chloro-4-fluorophenyl)-7-(3-morpholinopropoxy)quinazolin-4-amine     (CI 1033)), for example inhibitors of the platelet-derived growth     factor family and for example inhibitors of the hepatocyte growth     factor family; -   (v) antiangiogenic agents such as those which inhibit the effects of     vascular endothelial growth factor, (for example the anti-vascular     endothelial cell growth factor antibody bevacizumab, compounds such     as those disclosed in International Patent Applications WO 97/22596,     WO 97/30035, WO 97/32856 and WO 98/13354) and compounds that work by     other mechanisms (for example linomide, inhibitors of integrin αvβ3     function and angiostatin); -   (vi) vascular damaging agents such as combretastatin A4 and     compounds disclosed in International Patent Applications WO     99/02166, WO00/40529, WO 00/41669, WO01/92224, WO02/04434 and     WO02/08213; -   (vii) antisense therapies, for example those which are directed to     the targets listed above, such as ISIS 2503, an anti-ras antisense; -   (viii) gene therapy approaches, including for example approaches to     replace aberrant genes such as aberrant p53 or aberrant BRCA1 or     BRCA2, GDEPT (gene-directed enzyme pro-drug therapy) approaches such     as those using cytosine deaminase, thymidine kinase or a bacterial     nitroreductase enzyme and approaches to increase patient tolerance     to chemotherapy or radiotherapy such as multi-drug resistance gene     therapy; and -   (ix) immunotherapy approaches, including for example ex-vivo and     in-vivo approaches to increase the immunogenicity of patient tumour     cells, such as transfection with cytokines such as interleukin 2,     interleukin 4 or granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor,     approaches to decrease T-cell anergy, approaches using transfected     immune cells such as cytokine-transfected dendritic cells,     approaches using cytokine-transfected tumour cell lines and     approaches using anti-idiotypic antibodies.

In a still further aspect, the present invention provides the use of a compound of formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, as hereinbefore defined in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of human diseases or conditions in which modulation of CRTh2 receptor activity is beneficial.

In the context of the present specification, the term “therapy” also includes “prophylaxis” unless there are specific indications to the contrary. The terms “therapeutic” and “therapeutically” should be construed accordingly.

The invention still further provides a method of treating diseases mediated by PGD2 or its metabolites wherein the prostanoid binds to its receptor (especially CRTh2 receptor), which comprises administering to a patient a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug thereof, as hereinbefore defined.

The invention also provides a method of treating an inflammatory disease, especially psoriasis, in a patient suffering from, or at risk of, said disease, which comprises administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, as hereinbefore defined.

For the above-mentioned therapeutic uses the dosage administered will, of course, vary with the compound employed, the mode of administration, the treatment desired and the disorder indicated.

For the above-mentioned therapeutic uses the dosage administered will, of course, vary with the compound employed, the mode of administration, the treatment desired and the disorder indicated.

The compound of formula (I), prodrugs and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and solvates thereof may be used on their own but will generally be administered in the form of a pharmaceutical composition in which the formula (I) compound/salt/solvate (active ingredient) is in association with a pharmaceutically acceptable adjuvant, diluent or carrier. Depending on the mode of administration, the pharmaceutical composition will preferably comprise from 0.05 to 99% w (percent by weight), more preferably from 0.05 to 80% w, still more preferably from 0.10 to 70% w, and even more preferably from 0.10 to 50% w, of active ingredient, all percentages by weight being based on total composition.

The present invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, as herein before defined, in association with a pharmaceutically acceptable adjuvant, diluent or carrier.

The pharmaceutical compositions may be administered topically (e.g. to the lung and/or airways or to the skin) in the form of solutions, suspensions, heptafluoroalkane aerosols and dry powder formulations; or systemically, e.g. by oral administration in the form of tablets, capsules, syrups, powders or granules, or by parenteral administration in the form of solutions or suspensions, or by subcutaneous administration or by rectal administration in the form of suppositories or transdermally. Preferably the compound of the invention is administered orally.

The invention will now be illustrated by the following non-limiting examples in which, unless stated otherwise:

-   (i) when given, ¹H NMR data is quoted in the form of delta values     for major diagnostic protons, given in parts per million (ppm)     relative to tetramethylsilane (TMS) as an internal standard; -   (ii) mass spectra (MS): generally only ions which indicate the     parent mass are reported, and unless otherwise stated the mass ion     quoted is the positive mass ion—(M+H)⁺; -   (iii) the title compounds of the examples and methods were named     using the ACD/name (version 6.0) from Advanced Chemical Development     Inc, Canada; -   (iv) unless stated otherwise, reverse phase HPLC was conducted using     a Symmetry, NovaPak or Ex-Terra reverse phase silica column; -   (v) solvents were dried with MgSO₄ or Na₂SO₄ -   (vi) final compounds were prepared as the free acid or a suitable     salt such as sodium -   (vii) the following abbreviations are used:     -   EtOAc Ethylacetate     -   DCM Dichloromethane     -   NMP N-methylpyrrolidine     -   DMF N,N-dimethylformamide     -   THF tetrahydrofuran     -   mcpba 3-chloroperoxybenzoic acid (Aldrich 77% max)     -   Pd(dppf)Cl₂         [1,1′-Bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene]dichloropalladium(II),         complex with dichloromethane     -   RT room temperature

EXAMPLE 1 [4-Chloro-2-[[4-(ethylsulfonyl)phenyl]thio]phenoxy]-acetic acid, sodium salt

(i) 5-Chloro-2-methoxy-benzenethiol

Triphenylphosphine (11.4 g) was added portionwise to a stirred solution of 5-chloro-2-methoxybenzenesulphonyl chloride (3.0 g) in THF (30 ml). Water (4 ml) was added and the mixture stirred at RT for 2 h, after which the reaction was diluted with water (25 ml) then 2M sodium hydroxide solution and washed with ether. The aqueous layer was acidified with 2M hydrochloric acid and extracted with ethylacetate. The organic layer was dried and evaporated under reduced pressure, yield 3.1 g.

MS: ESI(−ve) 173(M−1)

(ii) 4-Chloro-2-[[4-(ethylsulfonyl)phenyl]thio]-1-methoxy-benzene

Potassium carbonate (0.315 g) was added to a stirred solution of the product from step (i) (0.4 g) and ethyl-(4-bromo-phenyl)-sulfone (0.285 g) in NMP (10 ml) and the mixture heated at 90° C. for 1 h. The mixture was partitioned between water/ethylacetate, the organics separated, dried, and evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by chromatography on silica eluting with 25% ethylacetate/isohexane. Yield 0.4 g

¹H NMR CDCl₃: δ 7.76-6.91 (7H, m); 3.81 (3H, s); 3.13-3.06 (2H, q); 1.30-1.22 (3H, t).

(iii) 4-Chloro-2-[[4-(ethylsulfonyl)phenyl]thio]-phenol

A solution of boron tribromide (1M in DCM, 2.3 ml) was slowly added to a stirred solution of the product from step (ii) (0.4 g) in DCM (20 ml) at 0° C. After 0.5 h a further 4 ml of boron tribromide solution was added and the mixture stirred for 1 h. The reaction was quenched with crushed ice and partitioned between water and DCM. The organics separated, dried, and evaporated under reduced pressure, yield 0.3 g.

MS: ESI(−ve) 327(M−1)

(iv) [4-Chloro-2-[[4-(ethylsulfonyl)phenyl]thio]phenoxy]-acetic acid, 1,1-dimethylethyl ester

A mixture of the product from step (iii) (0.3 g), tert-butylbromoacetate (0.15 ml) and potassium carbonate (0.13 g) in DMF (20 ml) was stirred at RT overnight. The mixture was partitioned between water and ethylacetate, the organics separated, dried, and evaporated under reduced pressure. Yield 0.55 g

MS: ESI(+ve) 460(M+NH₄)

(v) [4-Chloro-2-[[4-(ethylsulfonyl)phenyl]thio]phenoxy]-acetic acid, sodium salt

Trifluoroacetic acid (10 ml) was added to a solution of the product from step (iv) (0.55 g) in DCM (10 ml) and the mixture stirred at RT for 1 h. The mixture was evaporated under reduced pressure and the residue purified by reverse phase HPLC. The sodium salt was made using sodium hydroxide, yield 0.21 g.

¹H NMR DMSO-d6: δ 7.74-7.71(2H,m); 7.49-6.90 (4H, m); 6.90-6.88 (1H, d); 4.16 (2H, s); 3.26-3.22 (2H, q); 1.11-1.06 (3H, t).

MS: ESI(−ve) 385(M−1)

EXAMPLE 2 [4-Chloro-2-[[4-(ethylsulfonyl)-2-methylphenyl]thio]phenoxy]-acetic acid, sodium salt

(i) 1-Bromo-4-(ethylthio)-2-methyl-benzene

Bromine (2.2 ml) was added to a solution of 1-(ethylthio)-3-methylbenzene (6.6 g) in acetic acid (20 ml) at 0° C. The mixture was stirred at RT for 2 h then the solvent removed under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by chromatography on silica eluting with DCM. Yield 6.6 g

MS: APCI(+ve): 247/9(M+1)

(ii) 1-Bromo-4-(ethylsulfonyl)-2-methyl-benzene

3-Chloroperoxybenzoic acid (70% purity, 11.8 g) was added to a solution of the product from step (i) (5 g) in DCM (60 ml) and stirred at RT for 4 h. The mixture was partitioned between DCM/aq. sodium metabisulphite solution, the organics washed with aq. sodium hydrogencarbonate solution, water, dried and evaporated under reduced pressure. Yield 5.73 g

¹H NMR CDCl₃: δ 7.76-7.73 (2H, m); 7.58-7.56 (1H, m); 3.10 (2H, q); 2.49 (3H, s); 1.28 (3H, t)

(iii) 4-Chloro-2-[[4-(ethylsulfonyl)-2-methylphenyl]thio]-1-methoxy-benzene

The subtitle compound was prepared by the method of example 1 step (ii) using the product from step (ii). Yield 0.25 g

¹H NMR CDCl₃ δ 7.70-6.91(6H, m); 3.82 (3H, s); 3.13-3.06 (2H, q); 2.48 (3H, s); 1.30-1.22 (3H, t).

(iv) 4-Chloro-2-[[4-(ethylsulfonyl)-2-methylphenyl]thio]-phenol

The subtitle compound was prepared by the method of example 1 step (iii) using the product from step (iii). Yield 0.3 g

MS: ESI(−ve) 341(M−1)

(v) [4-Chloro-2-[[4-(ethylsulfonyl)-2-methylphenyl]thio]phenoxy]acetic acid-, 1,1-dimethylethyl ester

The subtitle compound was prepared by the method of example 1 step (iv) using the product from step (iv). Yield 0.5 g

MS: ESI(+ve) 474(M+NH₄)

(vi) [4-Chloro-2-[[4-(ethylsulfonyl)-2-methylphenyl]thio]phenoxy]-acetic acid, sodium salt

The title compound was prepared by the method of example 1 step (v) using the product from step (v). Yield 0.225 g

¹H NMR DMSO-d6: δ 7.73-7.72 (1H, d) 7.55-7.52 (1H, dd); 7.41-7.38 (1H, dd); 7.27-7.21 (2H, m); 6.89-6.87 (1H, d); 4.14 (2H, s); 3.27-3.22 (2H, q); 2.42 (3H, s); 1.10-1.07 (3H, t).

MS: ESI(−ve) 399(M−1)

EXAMPLE 3 [2-[[4-(Ethylsulfonyl)phenyl](hydroxy)methyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]acetic acid

(i) Benzyl 2-bromo-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl ether

Benzyl bromide (21.4 ml) was added to a stirred mixture of 2-bromo-4-trifluoromethylphenol (46.4 g) and potassium carbonate (39 g) in DMF (200 ml). After 18 h, the mixture was partitioned between diethylether and water, the organic layer washed with water, 2M sodium hydroxide solution, water, dried and the solvent evaporated under reduced pressure. Yield 58.7 g

¹H NMR CDCl₃: δ 7.83 (1H, s); 7.51-7.32 (6H, m); 6.98 (1H, d); 5.21 (2H, s)

(ii) [2-(Benzyloxy)-5-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl][4-(ethylthio)phenyl]methanol

A solution of butyl lithium (1.6M in hexane, 1.03 ml) was added to a stirred solution of the product from step (i) (0.5 g) in diethylether (20 ml) at −78° C. After 1 h, 4-ethylsulfanyl-benzaldehyde (0.25 g) was added and stirred for a further 1 h. The reaction was quenched with water, extracted with diethylether and the organic layer dried, then evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by chromatography on silica eluting with 50% diethylether/isohexane. Yield 0.7 g

¹H NMR CDCl₃: δ 7.36-7.13 (12H, m); 6.04-6.03 (1H, d); 5.05 (2H, s); 2.96-2.89 (2H, q); 2.64-2.62 (1H, d); 1.33-1.28 (3H, t).

MS: ESI(+ve) 401(M−OH)

(iii) [2-(Benzyloxy)-5-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl][4-(ethylsulfonyl)phenyl]methanol

The subtitle compound was prepared by the method of example 2 step (ii) using the product from step (ii). Yield 0.45 g

MS: ESI(+ve) 468(M+NH₄)

(iv) 2-[[4-(Ethylsulfonyl)phenyl](hydroxy)methyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenol

A mixture of the product from step (iii) (0.225 g), 10% palladium on carbon (0.05 g) in ethanol (20 ml) was hydrogenated at 1 Bar for 45 min. After filtration the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure. Yield 0.22 g

MS: ESI(−ve) 359 (N−H)

(v) [2-[[4-(Ethylsulfonyl)phenyl](hydroxy)methyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]acetic acid

The title compound was prepared by the method of example 1 steps (iv) and (v) using the product from step (iv). Yield 0.045 g

¹H NMR DMSO-d6: δ 7.80-7.52 (6H, m); 7.07-7.04 (1H, d); 6.12 (1H, s); 4.46 (2H, s); 3.41 (1H, bm); 3.27-3.20 (2H, q); 1.09-1.04 (3H, t).

MS: ESI(+ve) 436(M+NH₄)

EXAMPLE 4 [2-[4-(Ethylsulfonyl)benzyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]acetic acid

(i) 2-[4-(Ethylsulfonyl)benzyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenol

A mixture of the product from example 3 step (iii) (0.225 g), 10% palladium on carbon (0.05 g) and acetic acid (2 drops) in ethanol (20 ml) was hydrogenated at 3 Bar for 2 h then 5 Bar for 5 h. After filtration the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure. Yield 0.16 g

MS: ESI(−ve) 343(M−H)

(ii) [2-[4-(Ethylsulfonyl)benzyl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]acetic acid

The title compound was prepared by the method of example 1 steps (iv) and (v) using the product from step (i). Yield 0.11 g

¹H NMR DMSO-d6: δ 7.75-7.46 (6H, m); 6.92-6.89 (1H, d); 4.21 (2H, s); 4.10 (2H, s); 3.31-3.19(2H, q); 1.09-1.04 (3H, t).

MS: ESI(−ve) 401(M−H)

EXAMPLE 5 [4-Chloro-2-[4-(ethylsulfonyl)phenoxy]phenoxy]-acetic acid, sodium salt

(i) (4-Chloro-2-methoxyphenoxy)-acetic acid, ethyl ester

The subtitle compound was prepared by the method of example 1 step (iv) using ethyl bromoacetate and 4-chloro-2-methoxyphenol Yield 2.7 g

¹H NMR CDCl₃: δ 6.88-6.74 (3H, m); 4.64 (2H, s); 4.29-4.21 (2H, q); 3.88-3.87 (3H, s); 1.30-1.20 (3H, t).

(ii) (4-Chloro-2-hydroxyphenoxy)-acetic acid

A mixture of the product from step (i) (2.7 g) in 48% aqueous hydrogen bromide (30 ml) was heated under reflux for 2 h. The solvent was evaporated, the residue washed with water and dried, yield 1.7 g.

¹H NMR DMSO-d6: δ 6.89-6.72 (3H, m); 4.66 (2H, m); 3.79 (1H, s).

(iii) [4-Chloro-2-[4-(ethylsulfonyl)phenoxy]phenoxy]-acetic acid, sodium salt Cesium carbonate (0.2 g) was added to a stirred mixture of the product from step (ii) (0.3 g), ethyl-(4-bromo-phenyl)-sulfone (0.37 g) and copper iodide (5 mol %) in NMP (20 ml) and the mixture heated at 170° C. (oil bath temp.) for 10 h. The mixture was quenched with 1M sodium hydroxide solution and extracted with ethylacetate. The aqueous layer was acidified with hydrochloric acid and extracted with ethylacetate. The organic extract was dried and evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by reverse phase HPLC, the sodium salt was formed using sodium hydroxide. Yield 0.068 g

¹H NMR DMSO-d6: δ 7.81-6.91 (7H, m); 4.06 (2H, s); 3.26-3.21 (2H, q); 1.11-1.08 (3H, t).

MS: ESI(−ve) 369(M−H)

EXAMPLE 6 [4-Chloro-2-[[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]amino]phenoxy]-acetic acid

(i) (4-Chloro-2-nitrophenoxy)-acetic acid, ethyl ester

The subtitle compound was prepared by the method of example 1 step (iv) using ethyl bromoacetate and 4-chloro-2-nitrophenol Yield 1.4 g

(ii) 6-Chloro-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-one

Iron powder (1.4 g) was added to a solution of the product from step (i) (1.4 g) in acetic acid (30 ml) and the mixture stirred at RT for 1 h. The mixture was filtered and the filtrate evaporated under reduced pressure. Yield 0.44 g

¹H NMR DMSO-d6: δ 8.43 (1H, m); 6.92-6.81 (3H, m); 4.61 (2H, s).

(iii) [4-Chloro-2-[[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]amino]phenoxy]-acetic acid

Potassium carbonate (0.265 g) was added to a solution of the product from step (ii) (0.44 g) and 4-fluorophenyl methyl sulfone (0.331 g) in NMP (20 ml) and the mixture heated at is 120° C. for 16 h. The reaction was diluted with water and extracted with ethylacetate, the organics were dried and evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by reverse phase HPLC, yield 0.096 g.

¹H NMR DMSO-d6: δ 11.33 (1H, s); 7.72-7.69 (2H, d); 7.31-7.30 (1H, m); 7.20-7.00 (3H, m); 6.92-6.89 (1H, d); 4.14 (2H, s); 3.11 (3H, s)

MS: APCI(+ve) 356(M+H)

EXAMPLE 7 (4-Chloro-2-{[2-chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]thio}phenoxy)acetic acid

(i) 3-Chloro-4-fluorophenyl methyl sulfide

Iodomethane (1.15 ml) was added to a stirred mixture of 3-chloro-4-fluoro-benzenethiol (3.0 g), potassium carbonate (2.48 g) in DMF (20 ml) and left overnight. The reaction was diluted with water and extracted with diethylether, the organics were dried and evaporated under reduced pressure, yield 4.3 g.

1H NMR: CDCl₃: δ 7.31-7.14 (2H, m), 7.13-7.03 (1H, m), 3.23-3.21 (3H, s).

(ii) 3-Chloro-4-fluorophenyl methyl sulfone

The subtitle compound was prepared by the method of example 2 step (ii) using the product from step (i). Yield 3.8 g

1H NMR: CDCl₃: δ 8.06-8.03 (1H, m), 7.89-7.84 (1H, m), 7.38-7.32 (1H, m), 3.08 (3H, s).

(iii) 4-Chloro-2-{[2-chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]thio}phenol

The subtitle compound was prepared by the method of example 1 steps (i)-(iii) using the product from step (ii).

MS: ESI(−ve) 347(M−1)

(iv) (4-Chloro-2-{[2-chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]thio}phenoxy)acetic acid

The title compound was prepared by the method of example 1 steps (iv)-(v) using the product from step (iii). Yield 0.158 g

1H NMR: DMSO-d6: δ 13.12 (1H, bs), 7.997-7.99 (1H, m), 7.69-7.58 (3H, m), 7.18-6.97 (2H, d), 4.80 (2H, s), 3.24 (3H, s).

MS: ESI(−ve) 406(M−1)

EXAMPLE 8 (4-Chloro-2-{[2-chloro-4-(ethylsulfonyl)phenyl]thio}phenoxy)acetic acid, sodium salt

(i) 3-Chloro-4-fluorophenyl ethyl sulfone

The subtitle compound was prepared by the method of example 7 step (i)-(ii) using iodoethane.

1H NMR: CDCl₃: δ 8.01-7.98 (1H, d), 7.84-7.79 (1H, m), 7.37-7.31 (1H, m), 3.17-3.09 (2H, q), 1.33-1.26 (3H, t).

(ii) 4-Chloro-2-{[2-chloro-4-(ethylsulfonyl)phenyl]thio}phenol

The subtitle compound was prepared by the method of example 1 steps (i)-(iii) using the product from step (i).

MS: ESI(−ve) 362(M−1)

(iii) (4-Chloro-2-{[2-chloro-4-(ethylsulfonyl)phenyl]thio}phenoxy)acetic acid, sodium salt

The title compound was prepared by the method of example 1 steps (iv)-(v) using the product from step (ii), yield 0.19 g.

1H NMR: DMSO-d6: δ 7.90-7.89 (1H, d), 7.61-7.58 (1H, d), 7.53-7.49 (2H, m), 7.29-7.27 (1H, d), 6.95-6.92 (1H, d), 4.17 (2H, s), 3.34-3.30 (2H, m), 1.14-1.08 (3H, m).

MS: ESI(−ve) 420(M−1)

EXAMPLE 9 (4-Chloro-2-{[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]thio}phenoxy)acetic acid

(i) 4-Chloro-2-{[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]thio}phenol

The subtitle compound was prepared by the method of example 1 steps (i)-(iii) using methyl-(4-bromo-phenyl)sulphone, yield 0.98 g.

MS: ESI(−ve) 313(M−1)

(ii) tert-Butyl(4-chloro-2-{[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]thio}phenoxy)acetate

The subtitle compound was prepared by the method of example 1 step (iv) using the product from step (i), yield 0.95 g.

MS: ESI(+ve) 443(M+NH₄)

(iii) (4-Chloro-2-{[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]thio}phenoxy)acetic acid

The title compound was prepared by the method of example 1 step (v) using the product from step (ii), yield 0.165 g.

1H NMR: DMSO-d6: δ 7.80-7.77 (2H, m), 7.47-7.41 (3H, m), 7.38-7.37 (1H, d), 6.93-6.91 (1H, d), 4.27 (2H, s), 3.19 (3H, s).

MS: ESI(−ve) 371(M−1)

EXAMPLE 10 {4-Chloro-2-[(5-chloropyridin-2-yl)thio]phenoxy}acetic acid

The title compound was prepared by the general method of example 1.

1H NMR: DMSO-d6: δ 8.46-8.45 (1H, m), 7.76-7.73 (1H, d), 7.59-7.58 (1H, d), 7.52-7.50 (1H, d), 7.10-7.04 (2H, m), 4.74 (2H, s).

MS: ESI(−ve) 329(M−1)

EXAMPLE 11 {4-Chloro-2-[(2-chloro-4-cyanophenyl)thio]phenoxy}acetic acid

The title compound was prepared by the general method of example 1.

1H NMR: DMSO-d6: δ 8.07 (1H, d), 7.62-7.57 (3H, m), 7.16-7.12 (1H, m), 6.90-6.87 (1H, d), 4.75 (2H, s).

MS: ESI(−ve) 353(M−1)

EXAMPLE 12 (4-Chloro-2-{[2-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]thio}phenoxy)acetic acid

The title compound was prepared by the general method of example 1.

1H NMR: DMSO-d6: δ 13.05 (1H, bs), 7.94-7.92 (1H, d), 7.60-7.42 (4H, m), 7.42-7.08 (2H, m), 4.67 (2H, s), 3.44 (3H, s).

MS: ESI(−ve) 371(M−1)

EXAMPLE 13 (4-Chloro-2-{[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]sulfinyl}phenoxy)acetic acid, sodium salt

(i) tert-Butyl(4-chloro-2-{[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]sulfinyl}phenoxy)acetate 3-Chloroperoxybenzoic acid (70% purity, 0.2 g) was added to a solution of the product from example 9 step (ii) (0.35 g) in DCM (10 ml) and stirred at 0° C. for 1 h. The mixture was partitioned between DCM/aq. sodium metabisulphite solution, the organics washed with aq. sodium hydrogencarbonate solution, water, dried and evaporated under reduced pressure. Yield 0.34 g

MS: APCI(−ve) 388(M-tert-butyl)

(ii) (4-Chloro-2-{[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]sulfinyl}phenoxy)acetic acid, sodium salt

The title compound was prepared by the method of example 1 step (v) using the product from step (i), yield 0.071 g.

1H NMR: DMSO-d6: δ 8.33-8.31 (2H, d), 8.01-7.99 (2H, d), 7.56-7.55 (1H, d), 7.45-7.42 (1H, d), 6.95-6.93 (1H, d), 4.30-4.22 (2H, q), 3.24 (3H, s).

MS: APCI(+ve) 389(M+1)

EXAMPLE 14 (4-Chloro-2-{[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]sulfonyl}phenoxy)acetic acid

(i) tert-Butyl(4-chloro-2-{[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]sulfonyl}phenoxy)acetate 3-Chloroperoxybenzoic acid (70% purity, 0.4 g) was added to a solution of the product is from example 9 step (ii) (0.35 g) in DCM (10 ml) and stirred at 0° C. for 1 h. The mixture was partitioned between DCM/aq. sodium metabisulphite solution, the organics washed with aq. sodium hydrogencarbonate solution, water, dried and evaporated under reduced pressure. Yield 0.36 g

(ii) (4-Chloro-2-{[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]sulfonyl}phenoxy)acetic acid

The title compound was prepared by the method of example 1 step (v) using the product from step (i), yield 0.108 g.

1H NMR: DMSO-d6: δ 8.35-8.32 (2H, d), 8.10-8.06 (2H, d), 7.96-7.95 (1H, d), 7.71-7.68 (1H, d), 7.08-7.06 (1H, d), 4.46 (2H, s), 3.27 (3H, s).

MS: ESI(−ve) 403(M−1)

EXAMPLE 15 [4-Chloro-2-({4-[(methylamino)carbonyl]phenyl}thio)phenoxy]acetic acid

(i) Ethyl 4-[(5-chloro-2-methoxyphenyl)thio]benzoate

A mixture of the product from example 1 step (i) (0.5 g), ethyl-4-fluoro-benzoate (0.32 ml), 25% wt potassium fluoride on alumina (1.25 g) and 18-crown-6 (8 mg) in DMSO (20 ml) was heated at 140° C. for 4 h. The mixture was cooled, diluted with ethylacetate (100 ml), filtered and the filtrate washed with water, brine, dried and evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by chromatography on silica eluting with DCM/isohexane (2:1), yield 0.24 g.

MS: ESI(+ve) 323(M+1)

(ii) 4-[(5-Chloro-2-methoxyphenyl)thio]benzoic acid

A mixture of the product from step (i) (0.24 g), lithium hydroxide (0.036 g) in methanol (30 ml) and water (5 ml) was stirred at RT overnight then acidified with 2M hydrochloric acid. The mixture was extracted with ethylacetate, the organics dried and evaporated under reduced pressure, yield 0.23 g

MS: ESI(−ve) 293(M−1)

(iii) 4-[(5-Chloro-2-methoxyphenyl)thio]-N-methylbenzamide

A mixture of the product from step (ii) (0.23 g), 1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (0.22 g), 1-hydroxybenzotriazole (0.15 g), N,N-diisopropylethylamine (0.3 g) and methylamine (2M in THF, 0.78 ml) in DMF (10 ml) was stirred at RT overnight. Water was added and the mixture extracted with ethylacetate, the organics were dried and evaporated under reduced pressure, yield 0.24 g.

MS: ESI(+ve) 308(M+1)

(iv) [4-Chloro-2-({4-[(methylamino)carbonyl]phenyl}thio)phenoxy]acetic acid

The title compound was prepared by the method of example 1 steps (iii)-(v) using the product from step (iii), yield 0.119 g.

1H NMR: DMSO-d6: δ 13.12 (1H, bs), 8.47-8.46 (1H, m), 7.82-7.80 (2H, m), 7.40-7.34 (3H, m), 7.04-7.01 (2H, m), 4.78 (2H, s), 2.66 (3H, s).

MS: ESI(−ve) 350(M−1)

EXAMPLE 16 (2S)-2-(4-Chloro-2-{[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]thio}phenoxy)propanoic acid

(i) tert-Butyl(2S)-2-(4-chloro-2-{[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]thio}phenoxy) propanoate

Diisopropyl azodicarboxylate (0.19 ml) was added to a stirred solution of the product from example 9 step (i) (0.3 g), triphenylphosphine (0.25 g), R-tert-butyl lactate (0.14 g) in THF (10 ml). After 2 h the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure and the residue purified by chromatography on silica eluting with diethylether/isohexane (2:1), yield 0.6 g.

MS: ESI(+ve) 460(M+NH4)

(ii) (2S)-2-(4-Chloro-2-{[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]thio}phenoxy)propanoic acid

The title compound was prepared by the method of example 1 step (v) using the product from step (i), yield 0.15 g.

1H NMR: DMSO-d6: δ 7.82-7.80 (2H, m), 7.46-7.39 (4H, m), 6.95-6.93 (1H, d), 4.66-4.64 (1H, m), 3.18 (3H, s), 1.25-1.23 (3H, d).

MS: ESI(−ve) 385(M−1)

EXAMPLE 17 (2R)-2-(4-Chloro-2-{[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]thio}phenoxy)propanoic acid

(i) Methyl(2R)-2-(4-chloro-2-{[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]thio}phenoxy)propanoate

The subtitle compound was prepared by the method of example 16 step (i) using S-methyl lactate, yield 0.35 g.

MS: ESI(+ve) 418(M+NH4)

(ii) (2R)-2-(4-Chloro-2-{[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]thio}phenoxy)propanoic acid

The title compound was prepared by the method of example 15 step (ii) using the product from step (i), yield 0.13 g.

1H NMR: DMSO-d6: δ 7.82-7.79 (2H, m), 7.47-7.40 (4H, m), 6.96-6.94 (1H, d), 4.70-4.67 (1H, q), 3.18 (3H, s), 1.26-1.12 (3H, d).

MS: ESI(−ve) 385(M−1)

EXAMPLE 18 (2S)-2-(4-Chloro-2-{[2-chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]thio}phenoxy)propanoic acid, sodium salt

The title compound was prepared by the method of example 16 using the product from example 7 step (iii), yield 0.2 g.

1H NMR: DMSO-d6: δ 7.96-7.95 (1H, m), 7.67-7.63 (1H, m), 7.49-7.45 (2H, m) 7.35-7.32 (1H, m), 6.93-6.90 (1H, d), 4.27-4.20(1H, q), 3.23 (3H, s), 1.17-1.06 (3H, d).

MS: ESI(−ve) 419/421(M−1)

EXAMPLE 19 (2S)-2-(4-Chloro-2-{[2-chloro-4-(ethylsulfonyl)phenyl]thio}phenoxy)propanoic acid, sodium salt

The title compound was prepared by the method of example 16 using the product from example 8 step (ii), yield 0.54 g.

1H NMR: DMSO-d6: δ 7.90-7.89 (1H, m), 7.62-7.47 (3H, m), 7.30-7.28 (1H, d), 6.95-6.92 (1H, d), 4.35-4.32 (1H, q), 3.39-3.29 (2H, q), 1.13-1.05 (6H, d+t).

MS: ESI(−ve) 433(M−1)

EXAMPLE 20 2-(4-Chloro-2-{[2-chloro(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]thio}phenoxy)-2-methylpropanoic acid

The title compound was prepared by the method of example 1 step (iv) using the product from example 7 step (iii) and tert-butyl-2-bromoisobutyrate, yield 0.028 g.

1H NMR: DMSO-d6: δ 8.02-8.01 (1H, m), 7.73-7.69 (1H, m), 7.56-7.50 (2H, m), 7.12-6.95 (2H, d), 3.25 (3H, s), 1.33 (6H, s).

MS: ESI(−ve) 433/435(M−1)

EXAMPLE 21 {4-Chloro-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenoxy]phenoxy}acetic acid, sodium salt

A mixture of the product from example 5 step (ii) (0.3 g), methyl-(4-fluoro-phenyl)sulfone (0.226 g) and potassium carbonate (0.18 g) in NMP (20 ml) was heated at 160° C. for 2 h. The mixture was partitioned between ethylacetate/2M hydrochloric acid, the organics separated, dried, and evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by reverse phase HPLC, the sodium salt formed from sodium hydroxide. Yield 0.103 g

¹H NMR DMSO-d6: δ 7.85-7.80 (1H, d), 7.25-7.14 (5H, d), 6.95-6.91 (1H, d), 4.10 (2H, s), 3.17(3H, s).

MS: ESI(−ve) 355(M−1)

EXAMPLE 22 {4-Chloro-2-[2-chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenoxy]phenoxy}acetic acid, sodium salt

The title compound was prepared by the method of example 21 using the product from example 5 step (ii) and example 7 step (ii), yield 0.132 g.

1H NMR: DMSO-d6: δ 8.05-8.04 (1H, m), 7.73-7.71 (1H, m), 7.28-7.25 (2H, m), 7.18-7.16 (1H, m), 6.96-6.94 (1H, m), 4.11 (2H, s), 3.24(3H, s).

MS: ESI(−ve) 389(M−1)

EXAMPLE 23 {4-Chloro-2-[2-chloro-4-(ethylsulfonyl)phenoxy]phenoxy}acetic acid

The title compound was prepared by the method of example 21 using the product from example 5 step (ii) and example 8 step (i), yield 0.296 g.

1H NMR: DMSO-d6: δ 8.00-7.99 (1H, d), 7.72-7.68 (1H, m), 7.34-7.32 (2H, m), 7.07-7.04 (2H, d), 4.41(2H, s), 3.39-3.29 (2H, q), 1.15-1.07 (3H, t).

MS: ESI(−ve) 403/405(M−1)

EXAMPLE 24 (2S)-2-{4-Chloro-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenoxy]phenoxy}propanoic acid, sodium salt

(i) 4-Chloro-1-methoxy-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenoxy]benzene

The subtitle compound was prepared by the method of example 1 step (ii) using 5-chloro-2-methoxy-phenol, yield 0.35 g.

1H NMR: CDCl₃: δ 7.88-7.85 (2H, d), 7.27-6.95 (5H, m), 3.78 (3H, s), 3.06-3.05 (3H, s).

(ii) 4-Chloro-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenoxy]phenol

The subtitle compound was prepared by the method of example 1 step (iii) using the product from step (i), yield 0.17 g.

MS: APCI(−ve) 297(M−1)

(iii) (2S)-2-{4-Chloro-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenoxy]phenoxy}propanoic acid, sodium salt

The title compound was prepared by the method of example 16 using the product from step (ii), yield 0.063 g.

1H NMR: DMSO-d6: δ 7.85-7.80 (2H, m), 7.22-7.16 (4H, m), 6.93-6.90(1H, d), 4.19-4.12 (1H, q), 3.14 (3H, s), 1.11-1.06 (3H, d).

MS: ESI(−ve) 369(M−1)

EXAMPLE 25 (2S)-2-{4-Chloro-2-[2-chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenoxy]phenoxy}propanoic acid

(i) 3-Chloro-4(5-chloro-2-methoxyphenoxy)phenyl methyl sulfone

The subtitle compound was prepared by the method of example 1 step (ii) using the product from example 7 step (ii) and 5-chloro-2-methoxy phenol. Yield 4.0 g

MS: ESI(+ve) 363(+NH₄)

(ii) 4-Chloro-2-[2-chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenoxy]phenol

The subtitle compound was prepared by the method of example 1 step (iii) using the product from step (i). Yield 3.0 g

MS: ESI(−ve) 331(M−1)

(iii) (2S)-2-{4-Chloro-2-[2-chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenoxy]phenoxy}propanoic acid

The title compound was prepared by the method of example 16 using the product from step (ii). Yield 0.206 g

1H NMR: DMSO-d6: δ 8.09-8.08 (1H, m), 7.78-7.75 (1H, m), 7.39-7.32 (2H, m), 7.09-7.07 (1H, d), 7.00-6.98 (1H, d), 4.87-4.80 (1H, q), 3.24 (3H, s), 1.25-1.15 (3H, d).

MS: ESI(−ve) 403/405(M−1)

EXAMPLE 26 (2S)-2-{4-Chloro-2-[2-chloro-4-(ethylsulfonyl)phenoxy]phenoxy}propanoic acid

(i) 4-Chloro-2-[2-chloro-4-(ethylsulfonyl)phenoxy]-1-methoxybenzene

The subtitle compound was prepared by the method of example 1 step (ii) using the product from example 8 step (i) and 5-chloro-2-methoxy phenol. Yield 3.30 g

MS: ESI(+ve) 378(M+NH₄)

(ii) 4-Chloro-2-[2-chloro-4-(ethylsulfonyl)phenoxy]phenol

The subtitle compound was prepared by the method of example 1 step (iii) using the product from step (i). Yield 3.10 g

MS: ESI(−ve) 345(M−1)

(iii) Methyl(2S)-2-{4-chloro-2-[2-chloro-4-(ethylsulfonyl)phenoxy]phenoxy}propanoate

The subtitle compound was prepared by the method of example 16 step (i) using the product from step (ii) and R-methyl lactate. Yield 2.30 g

MS: ESI(+ve) 435(M+NH₄)

(iv) (2S)-2-{4-Chloro-2-[2-chloro-4-(ethylsulfonyl)phenoxy]phenoxy}propanoic acid

A mixture of the product from step (iii) (2.3 g) and lithium hydroxide (0.303 g) in water (10 ml) and THF (10 ml) was stirred at RT for 1 h. The mixture was diluted with water, extracted with diethylether then the aqueous layer acidified by 2M hydrochloric acid and extracted with ethylacetate. The ethyl acetate layer was dried, evaporated under reduced pressure and the residue purified by RPHPLC.

1H NMR: DMSO-d6: δ 7.99-7.67 (2H, m), 7.33-6.95 (4H, m), 4.36-4.34 (1H, q), 3.35-3.29 (2H, q), 1.25-1.15 (6H, m).

MS: ESI(−ve) 417/419(M−1)

EXAMPLE 27 {4,5-Dichloro-2-[2-chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenoxy]phenoxy}acetic acid

A mixture of sodium hydride (60% wt. disp. in oil, 0.223 g) and 4,5-dichlorocatechol (1 g) in DMF (10 ml) was stirred at RT for 15 min. tert-Butyl-bromoacetate (0.9 ml) was added, stirred at RT for 2 h then potassium carbonate (0.77 g) and the product from example 7 step (ii) (0.7 g) added and the mixture heated at 90° C. for 14 h. The mixture was partitioned between 2M sodium hydroxide solution and diethylether, the aqueous layer was acidified with 2M hydrochloric acid and extracted with ethylacetate. The ethylacetate layer was dried, evaporated under reduced pressure and the residue purified by RPHPLC. Yield 0.349 g.

1H NMR: DMSO-d6: δ 8.06-7.71 (2H, m), 7.54 (1H, s), 7.27-7.13 (2H, m), 4.32.(2H, s), 3.24 (3H, s).

MS: ESI(−ve) 423/425(M−1)

EXAMPLE 28 {2-[2-Chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenoxy]-4,5-difluorophenoxy}acetic acid

(i) 4,5-Difluoro-2-methoxyphenol

Sodium thiomethoxide (0.4 g) was added to a solution of 1,2-difluoro-4,5-dimethoxybenzene (1.0 g) in DMF (10 ml) at RT, then heated at 100° C. for 4 h. A further 0.8 g of sodium thiomethoxide was added, the mixture heated for a further 2 h. The mixture was cooled, partitioned between ethylacetate/2M hydrochloric acid, the organics dried and evaporated under reduced pressure, yield 1.05 g

(ii) tert-Butyl(4,5-difluoro-2-methoxyphenoxy)acetate

The subtitle compound was prepared by the method of example 1 step (iv) using the product from step (i), yield 0.75 g.

1H NMR: CDCl₃: δ 6.76-6.70 (2H, m), 4.51 (2H, s), 3.84 (3H, s), 1.48 (9H, s).

(iii) (4,5-Difluoro-2-hydroxyphenoxy)acetic acid

A mixture of the product from step (ii) (0.75 g) and lithium chloride (0.345 g) in DMF (20 ml) was heated at 150° C. for 6 h, cooled and partitioned between ethylacetate/2M hydrochloric acid. The organics were dried and evaporated under reduced pressure, yield 0.7 g.

(iv) {2-[2-Chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenoxy]-4,5-difluorophenoxy}acetic acid

A mixture of sodium hydride (60% wt. disp. in oil, 0.275 g) and the product from step (iii) (0.7 g) in DMF (10 ml) was stirred at RT for 15 min. The product from example 7 step (ii) (0.715 g) was added and the mixture heated at 85° C. for 15 h. The mixture was partitioned between 2M sodium hydroxide solution and diethylether, the aqueous layer was acidified with 2M hydrochloric acid and extracted with ethylacetate. The ethylacetate layer was dried, evaporated under reduced pressure and the residue purified by RPHPLC. Yield 0.076 g.

1H NMR: DMSO-d6: δ 8.07 (1H, s), 7.76-7.73 (1H, m), 7.59-7.54 (1H, m), 7.43-7.38 (1H, m), 6.98-6.96 (1H, m), 4.69(2H, s), 3.24 (3H, s).

MS: ESI(−ve) 391(M−1)

EXAMPLE 29 2-{4-Chloro-2-[2-chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenoxy]phenoxy}-2-methylpropanoic acid

(i) 2-(Benzyloxy)-4-chlorophenol

Sulfuryl chloride (0.965 ml) was added to a stirred solution of 2-(benzyloxy)phenol (2.0 g) in dry toluene (20 ml) at 0° C. The mixture was warmed to RT and stirred overnight then cooled to 0° C. and quenched with ice-water before extracting with ethylacetate. The organics were dried, evaporated under reduced pressure and the residue purified by chromatography on silica eluting with DCM/isohexane (1:1). Yield 1.5 g

MS: ESI(−ve) 233(M−1)

(ii) 2-[2-(Benzyloxy)-4-chlorophenoxy]-2-methylpropanoic acid

Powdered sodium hydroxide (0.253 g) was added to a stirred mixture of the product from step (i) (1.5 g) and 1,1,1-trichloro-2-methylpropanol (3.0 g) in acetone (40 ml) at 0° C. After stirring at RT for 1 h the mixture was cooled to 0° C. and a further portion of sodium hydroxide (0.253 g) added. After repeating for a third time, the mixture was stirred at RT overnight, then quenched with 2M hydrochloric acid and extracted with ethylacetate. The organics were dried, evaporated under reduced pressure and the residue purified by chromatography on silica eluting with diethylether:isohexane (1:1). Yield 1.4 g

(iii) 2-(4-Chloro-2-hydroxyphenoxy)-2-methylpropanoic acid

A mixture of the product from step (ii) (1.4 g) and 10% Pd/C (0.14 g) in ethylacetate (30 ml) was hydrogenated at 2 Bar for 3 h then filtered through celite. The filtrate was evaporated under reduced pressure, yield 0.6 g.

MS: ESI(−ve) 229(M−1)

(iv) 2-{4-Chloro-2-[2-chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenoxy]phenoxy}-2-methylpropanoic acid

The title compound was prepared by the method of example 28 step (iv) using the product from step (iii). Yield 0.039 g

1H NMR: DMSO-d6: δ 8.08-8.07 (1H, s), 7.78-7.75 (1H, m), 7.39-7.39 (1H, m), 7.28-7.25(1H, m), 7.06-6.98 (2H, m), 3.24 (3H, s), 1.22 (6H, s).

MS: ESI(−ve) 417(M−1)

EXAMPLE 30 (4-Chloro-2-{[2-chloro-4-(ethylsulfonyl)phenyl]amino}phenoxy)acetic acid

A mixture of the product from example 8 step (i) (0.21 g), 6-chloro-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-one (0.15 g) and potassium carbonate (0.23 g) in DMF was heated in a microwave (CEM, 50W) at 120° C. for 5 min. The mixture was heated at 140° C. for a further 5 min, cooled and partitioned between ethylacetate/2M hydrochloric acid. The organics were separated, washed with brine, dried and evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by RPHPLC, yield 0.08 g.

1H NMR: DMSO-d6: δ 8.82 (1H, s), 7.78 (1H, s), 7.57 (1H, d), 7.33(1H, s), 7.17 (1H, d), 7.10 (1H, d), 7.07 (1H, d), 4.51 (2H, s), 3.24 (2H, q), 1.10 (3H, t)

MS: APCI(−ve) 402(M−1)

EXAMPLE 31 (4-Chloro-2-{[2-chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]amino}phenoxy)acetic acid

The title compound was prepared by the method of example 30 using the product from example 7 step (ii). Yield 1.54 g

1H NMR: DMSO-d6: δ 13.14 (1H, s), 7.94 (1H, s), 7.87 (1H, s), 7.61 (1H, d), 7.35(1H, s), 7.22 (1H, d), 7.09 (1H, d), 6.99 (1H, d), 4.77 (2H, s), 3.18 (3H, s)

MS: APCI(+ve) 391(M+1)

EXAMPLE 32 [2-{[2-Chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]thio}-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]acetic acid

(i) 2-(Benzyloxy)-5-(trifluoromethyl)benzenethiol

A solution of butyllithium (1.6M in hexanes, 18.5 ml) was added dropwise to a stirred solution of 2-(benzyloxy)-5-trifluoromethylthiophenol (7.0 g) in dry diethylether (40 ml) at −78° C. After 40 min elemental sulphur (0.68 g) was added, the mixture was stirred at −78 C for 1 h, quenched with 2M NaOH solution and extracted with diethylether. The aqueous layer was acidified, extracted with ethyl acetate, the ethyl acetate layer dried and evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by chromatography on silica eluting with diethylether:isohexane 1:6, yield 4.40 g.

MS: ESI(−ve) 283(M−1)

(ii) 4-{[2-(Benzyloxy)-5-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]thio}-3-chlorophenyl methyl sulfone

The subtitle compound was prepared by the method of example 1 step (ii) using the product from step (i) and the product from example 7 step (ii), yield 0.43 g.

1H NMR: CDCl₃: δ 7.89-6.81 (11H, m), 5.13(2H, s), 3.00 (3H, s).

(iii) 2-{[2-Chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]thio}-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenol

The subtitle compound was prepared by the method of example 1 step (iii) using the product from step (ii), yield 0.22 g.

MS: ESI(−ve) 381/383(M−1)

(iv) [2-{[2-Chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]thio}-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]acetic acid

The title compound was prepared by the method of example 1 steps (iv-v) using the product from step (iii), yield 0.054 g.

1H NMR: DMSO-d6: δ 7.998-7.99 (1H, s), 7.90-7.88 (2H, m), 7.67-7.65 (1H, d), 7.28-7.26 (1H, d), 7.03-7.01(1H, d), 4.77 (2H, s), 3.23(3H, s).

MS: ESI(−ve) 438(M−1)

EXAMPLE 33 (2S)-2-[2-{[2-Chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]thio}-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]propanoic acid, sodium salt

The title compound was prepared by the method of example 16 using the product from example 32 step (iii).

1H NMR: DMSO-d6: δ 7.97 (1H, s), 7.82-7.80 (2H, m), 7.66-7.65 (1H, m), 7.31-7.28 (1H, d), 7.10-7.07 (1H, d), 4.54-4.49 (1H, q), 2.99 (3H, s), 1.20-1.18 (3H, d).

MS: ESI(−ve) 453(M−1)

EXAMPLE 34 [2-{[2-Chloro-4-(ethylsulfonyl)phenyl]thio}-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]acetic acid, sodium salt

The title compound was prepared by the method of example 32 using the product from example 8 step (i).

1H NMR: DMSO-d6: δ 7.90-7.81 (3H, m), 7.59-7.56 (1H, d), 7.30-7.27 (1H, d), 7.10-7.08 (1H, d), 4.27 (2H, s), 3.39-3.29 (2H, q), 1.10-1.07 (3H, t).

MS: ESI(−ve) 453(M−1)

EXAMPLE 35 (2S)-2-[2-{[2-Chloro-4-(ethylsulfonyl)phenyl]thio}-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]propanoic acid, sodium salt

The title compound was prepared by the method of example 16 and example 32.

1H NMR: DMSO-d6: δ 7.90-7.78 (3H, m), 7.60-7.57 (1H, m), 7.37-7.35 (1H, d), 7.06-7.04 (1H, d), 4.37-4.35 (1H, q), 3.34-3.29 (2H, q), 1.14-1.05 (6H, d+t).

MS: ESI(−ve) 467(M−1)

EXAMPLE 36 [2-({4-[(Dimethylamino)sulfonyl]phenyl}thio)-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]acetic acid, sodium salt

(i) 4-Fluoro-N,N-dimethylbenzenesulfonamide

Dimethylamine hydrochloride (1.27 g) was added to a solution of 4-fluoro-benzenesulphonyl chloride (3.0 g) and N,N-diisopropylethylamine (5.37 ml) in dichloromethane (30 ml), the mixture was stirred at RT for 1 h, diluted with water, extracted with dichloromethane, dried and evaporated under reduced, yield 3.0 g.

(ii) [2-({4-[(Dimethylamino)sulfonyl]phenyl}thio)-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]acetic acid, sodium salt

The title compound was prepared by the method of example 32 using the product from step (i).

1H NMR: DMSO-d6: δ 7.73-7.71 (1H, m), 7.62-7.60 (3H, m), 7.51-7.49 (2H, d), 7.04-7.02 (1H, d), 4.25 (2H, s), 2.58 (6H, s).

MS: ESI(−ve) 434(M−1)

EXAMPLE 37 [2-[2-Chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenoxy]-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]acetic acid

(i) Benzyl 2-fluoro-5-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl ether

A mixture of 5-(trifluoromethyl)-2-fluorophenol (2.0 g), benzyl bromide (1.45 ml) and potassium carbonate (1.65 g) in dry DMF (20 ml) was stirred at RT overnight. The mixture was quenched with water and the solid filtered and dried, yield 2.20 g.

1H NMR: CDCl₃: δ 7.47-7.14 (8H, m), 5.16 (2H, s).

(ii) 2-(Benzyloxy)-1-methoxy-4-(trifluoromethyl)benzene

A solution of sodium methoxide in methanol (25% wt, 20 ml) and the product from step (i) (1.20 g) was heated at 100° C. for 3 h. The mixture was quenched with water (100 ml) and the solid was filtered and dried, yield 1.28 g.

1H NMR: CDCl₃: δ 7.46-6.91 (8H, m), 5.15 (2H, s), 3.19 (3H, s).

(iii) 2-Methoxy-5-(trifluoromethyl)phenol

The subtitle compound was prepared by the method of example 29 step (iii) using the product from step (ii), yield 0.70 g.

MS: ESI(−ve) 191(M−1)

(iv) [2-[2-Chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenoxy]-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]acetic acid

The title compound was prepared by the method of example 1 steps (ii-v) using the product from step (iii).

1H NMR: DMSO-d6: δ 8.08 (1H, m), 7.77-7.65 (3H, m), 7.33-7.30 (1H, d), 6.95-6.92 (1H, d), 4.79 (2H, s), 3.25 (3H, s).

MS: ESI(−ve) 423(M−1)

EXAMPLE 38 [2-[2-Chloro-4-(ethylsulfonyl)phenoxy]-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]acetic acid

The title compound was prepared by the method of example 37 using the product from example 8 step (i).

1H NMR: DMSO-d6: δ 7.99 (1H, s), 7.68-7.54 (3H, m), 7.20-7.18 (1H, d), 7.11-7.09 (1H, d), 4.20 (2H, s), 3.35-3.30 (2H, q), 1.12-1.08 (3H, t).

MS: ESI(−ve) 437(M−1)

EXAMPLE 39 2-[2-[2-Chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenoxy]-4-(trifuoromethyl)phenoxy]butanoic acid, sodium salt

The title compound was prepared by the method of example 37 using ethyl-2-butyrate.

1H NMR: DMSO-d6: δ 8.05-8.04 (1H, s), 7.71-7.68 (1H, m), 7.57-7.56 (2H, m), 7.17-7.15 (1H, d), 7.05-7.03 (1H, d), 4.14-4.11 (1H, t), 3.20 (3H, s), 1.59-1.52 (2H, m), 0.52-0.49 (3H, t).

MS: ESI(−ve) 451(M−1)

EXAMPLE 40 [2-{4-[(Dimethylamino)sulfonyl]phenoxy}-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]acetic acid, sodium salt

(i) 4-[2-Hydroxy-5-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]-N,N-dimethylbenzenesulfonamide

The subtitle compound was prepared by the method of example 1 steps (ii-iii) using the products from example 37 step (iii) and example 36 step (i), yield 0.95 g.

MS: ESI(−ve) 360(M−1).

(ii) [2-{4-[(Dimethylamino)sulfonyl]phenoxy}-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]acetic acid, sodium salt

The title compound was prepared by the method of example 1 steps (iv-v) using the product from step (i)

1H NMR: DMSO-d6: δ 7.68-7.66 (2H, m), 7.56-7.54 (1H, d), 7.50-7.49 (1H, m), 7.20-7.07 (3H, m), 4.21 (2H, s), 2.58 (6H, s).

MS: ESI(−ve) 418(M−1)

EXAMPLE 41 (2S)-2-[2-{4-[(Dimethylamino)sulfonyl]phenoxy}-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]propanoic acid, sodium salt

The title compound was prepared by the method of example 16 using the product from example 40 step (i).

1H NMR: DMSO-d6: δ 7.68-7.64 (2H, m), 7.55-7.51 (2H, m), 7.22-7.20 (2H, m), 7.07-7.05 (1H, d), 4.35-4.30 (1H, m), 2.57 (6H, s), 1.12-1.09 (3H, d).

MS: ESI(−ve) 432(M−1)

EXAMPLE 42 {2-[2-Chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenoxy]-4-fluorophenoxy}acetic acid

(i) tert-Butyl(4-fluoro-2-methoxyphenoxy)acetate

The subtitle compound was prepared by the method of example 1 step (iv) using 4-fluoro-2-methoxyphenol, yield 1.0 g.

MS: ESI(−ve) 201 (M-t-butyl)

(ii) (4-Fluoro-2-hydroxyphenoxy)acetic acid

The subtitle compound was prepared by the method of example 28 step (iii) using the product from step (i), yield 0.72 g.

MS: ESI(−ve) 185(M−1)

(iii) {2-[2-Chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenoxy]-4-fluorophenoxy}acetic acid

The title compound was prepared by the method of example 1 step (ii) using the product from step (ii) and the product from example 7 step (ii).

1H NMR: DMSO-d6: δ 8.08 (1H, s), 7.78-7.75 (1H, d), 7.25-7.22 (1H, m), 7.16-7.15 (2H, m), 6.96-6.93 (1H, d), 4.69 (2H, s), 3.24 (3H, s).

MS: ESI(−ve) 373(M−1)

EXAMPLE 43 {2-[2-Chloro-4-(ethylsulfonyl)phenoxy]-4-fluorophenoxy}acetic acid

The title compound was prepared by the method of example 42 using the product from example 8 step (i).

1H NMR: DMSO-d6: δ 8.00-7.99 (1H, m), 7.72-7.69 (1H, d), 7.21-7.02 (4H, m), 4.43 (2H, s), 3.40-3.30 (2H, q), 1.12-1.07 (3H, t).

MS: ESI(−ve) 387(M−1)

EXAMPLE 44 2-{2-[2-Chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenoxy]-4-fluorophenoxy}-2-methylpropanoic acid

(i) tert-Butyl 2-(4-fluoro-2-methoxyphenoxy)-2-methylpropanoate

Potassium carbonate (0.97 g) was added to a solution of 2-methoxy-4-fluorophenol (1.0 g) and tert-butyl-2-bromoisobutyrate (1.31 ml) in acetonitrile (20 ml) and heated under reflux for 26 h. The mixture was diluted with water and extracted with ethyl acetate, the organics were dried and evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by chromatography on silica eluting with using isohexane:diethylether 3:1, yield 0.83 g.

1H NMR: CDCl₃: δ 6.94-6.89 (1H, m), 6.64-6.59 (1H, m), 6.55-6.49 (1H, m), 3.79 (3H, s), 1.52-1.41 (1SH, 2×s).

(ii) 2-(4-Fluoro-2-hydroxyphenoxy)-2-methylpropanoic acid

The subtitle compound was prepared by the method of example 28 step (iii) using the product from step (i), yield 0.7 g.

MS: ESI(−ve) 213(M−1)

(iii) 2-{2-[2-Chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenoxy]-4-fluorophenoxy}-2-methylpropanoic acid

The title compound was prepared by the method of example 1 step (ii) using the product from step (ii), yield 0.065 g

1H NMR: DMSO-d6: δ 8.08-8.07 (1H, s), 7.79-7.75 (1H, d), 7.27-7.23 (1H, m), 7.12-7.09 (2H, m), 6.97-6.95 (1H, d), 3.24 (3H, s), 1.23 (6H, s).

MS: ESI(−ve) 401(M−1)

EXAMPLE 45 (2-{[2-Chloro-4(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]thio}-4-fluorophenoxy)acetic acid

(i) 5-Fluoro-2-methoxybenzenesulfonyl chloride

4-Fluoroanisole (10.0 g) was carefully added to chlorosulphonic acid (45.81 g) at 0° C. The mixture was stirred at RT for 2 h, then quenched with ice-water (500 ml) and the solid filtered and dried, yield 16.50 g.

1H NMR: CDCl₃: δ 7.72-7.68 (1H, m), 7.44-7.38 (1H, m) 7.12-7.08 (1H, m), 4.05 (3H, s).

(ii) 5-Fluoro-2-methoxybenzenethiol

The subtitle compound was prepared by the method of example 1 step (i) using the product from step (i), yield 1.7 g.

MS: ESI(−ve) 157(M−1)

(iii) 3-Chloro-4-[(5-fluoro-2-methoxyphenyl)thio]phenyl methyl sulfone

The subtitle compound was prepared by the method of example 1 step (ii) using the product from step (ii) and the product from example 7 step (ii), yield 0.8 g.

1H NMR: CDCl₃: δ 7.91-7.90 (1H, s), 7.59-7.56 (1H, d) 7.26-7.17 (2H, m), 7.00-6.96 (1H, m), 6.82-6.79 (1H, d), 3.80 (3H, s), 3.03 (3H, s).

(iv) 2-{[2-Chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]thio}-4-fluorophenol

The subtitle compound was prepared by the method of example 1 step (iii) using the product from step (iii), yield 0.6 g.

MS: ESI(−ve) 331(M−1)

(v) (2-{[2-Chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]thio}-4-fluorophenoxy)acetic acid Sodium hydride (60% disp. oil, 0.024 g) was added to the product from step (iv) (0.20 g) in dry DMF (10 ml) and stirred at RT for 30 min before adding methyl-bromoacetate (0.060 ml). The solution was stirred at RT for 2 h, diluted with water and extracted with diethylether. The organics were dried and evaporated under reduced pressure to give an oil. The oil was dissolved in THF (20 ml) and water (10 ml) then sodium hydroxide (0.037 g) was added and stirred at RT overnight. The mixture was acidified with 2M HCl, extracted with ethyl acetate, the organics dried and evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by reverse phase HPLC. Yield 0.045 g

1H NMR: DMSO-d6: δ 8.00-7.99 (1H, s), 7.70-7.66 (1H, d), 7.45-7.37 (2H, m), 7.18-7.14 (1H, m), 7.02-6.99 (1H, m), 4.77(2H, s), 3.24 (3H, s).

MS: ESI(−ve) 389(M−1)

EXAMPLE 46 (2-{[2-Chloro-4-(ethylsulfonyl)phenyl]thio}-4-fluorophenoxy)acetic acid

The title compound was prepared by the method of example 45 using the product from example 8 step (i), yield 0.029 g.

1H NMR: DMSO-d6: δ 7.92 (1H, s), 7.64-7.61 (1H, d), 7.44-7.34 (2H, m), 7.10-7.06 (2H, m), 4.55(2H, s), 3.41-3.28 (2H, q), 1.11-1.06 (3H, t).

MS: ESI(−ve) 403(M−1)

EXAMPLE 47 2-(2-{[2-Chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]thio}-4-fluorophenoxy)-2-methylpropanoic acid

The title compound was prepared by the method of example 29 step (ii) using the product from example 45 step (iv), yield 0.05 g.

1H NMR: DMSO-d6: δ 7.98-7.97 (1H, s), 7.70-7.67 (1H, d), 7.32-7.20 (2H, m), 7.07-7.02 (2H, m), 3.24 (3H, s), 1.21 (6H, s).

MS: ESI(−ve) 417(M−1)

EXAMPLE 48 [4-Chloro-2-(3-cyanobenzyl)phenoxy]acetic acid

(i) 3-[2-(Benzyloxy)-5-chlorobenzyl]benzonitrile

A mixture of 2-benzyloxy-5-chlorophenylboronic acid (2.1 g), 3-cyanobenzyl bromide (1.57 g), sodium carbonate (1.7 g) and tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium (0) (0.46 g) in ethylene glycol dimethyl ether (30 ml) was heated at 80° C. for 5 h. The mixture was cooled, partitioned between water/diethylether, the organics separated, dried and evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by chromatography on silica eluting with 5% ethylacetate/isohexane, yield 0.53 g.

1H NMR DMSO-d6: δ 7.68-7.24 (11H, m); 7.08 (1H, d); 5.10 (2H, s); 3.97 (2H, s)

(ii) [4-Chloro-2-(3-cyanobenzyl)phenoxy]acetic acid

The title compound was prepared by the method of example 1 steps (iii-v) using the product from step (i), yield 0.175 g.

1H NMR DMSO-d6: δ 7.81 (1H, s); 7.68-7.63 (2H, m); 7.47 (1H, t); 7.34 (1H, d); 7.24 (1H, dd); 6.93 (1H, d); 4.74 (2H, s); 3.99 (2H, s)

MS: APCI(−ve) 300/302(M−1)

EXAMPLE 49 (2-{2-Chloro-4-[(ethylsulfonyl)amino]phenoxy}-4-fluorophenoxy)acetic acid

(i) 2-Chloro-1-(5-fluoro-2-methoxyphenoxy)-4-nitrobenzene

Sodium hydride (60% disp. oil, 0.281 g) was added to a solution of 5-fluoro-2-methoxyphenol (11.0 g) in DMF (20 ml) and stirred at RT for 30 min. 2-Chloro-1-fluoro-4-nitrobenzene (1.23 g) was added and the mixture stirred at RT for 16 h then diluted with water and extracted with diethylether. The organics were dried and evaporated under reduced pressure, yield 1.95 g.

MS: ESI(−ve) 296(M−1)

(ii) 3-Chloro-4(5-fluoro-2-methoxyphenoxy)aniline

Iron powder (2.0 g) was added to a solution of the product from step (i) (1.95 g) in acetic acid (40 ml) and the mixture stirred at RT overnight. The mixture was filtered and the filtrate evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was partitioned between aqueous sodium hydrogencarbonate soln and ethylacetate, the organics dried and evaporated under reduced pressure.

MS: ESI(+ve) 268(M+1)

(iii) 2-(4-Amino-2-chlorophenoxy)-4-fluorophenol

The subtitle compound was prepared by the method of example 1 step (iii) using the product from step (ii), yield 0.75 g.

MS: ESI(−ve) 252(M−1)

(iv) tert-Butyl [2-(4-amino-2-chlorophenoxy)-4-fluorophenoxy]acetate

The subtitle compound was prepared by the method of example 1 step (iv) using the product from step (iii), yield 0.38 g.

1H NMR CDCl₃: δ 6.96-6.33 (6H, m); 4.62 (2H, s); 3.68 (2H, s); 1.47 (9H, s)

(v) (2-{2-Chloro-4-[(ethylsulfonyl)amino]phenoxy}-4-fluorophenoxy)acetic acid

Ethane sulphonyl chloride (0.05 ml) was added to a solution of the product from step (iv) (0.19 g) in pyridine (10 ml) and stirred at RT for 2 h. The solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure and the residue dissolved in DCM (10 ml) and trifluoroacetic acid (10 ml).

After stirring at RT for 2 h the solvent was removed and the residue purified by RPHPLC, yield 0.062 g.

¹H NMR DMSO-d6: δ 7.36-6.74 (6H, m); 4.59 (2H, s); 3.16-3.08 (2H, q); 1.22-1.18 (3H, t)

MS: ESI(−ve) 402(M−1)

EXAMPLE 50 (2S)-2-(4-Chloro-2-{[2-chloro-4-(ethylsulfonyl)phenyl]amino}phenoxy)propanoic acid

(i) 4-Chloro-2-{[2-chloro-4-(ethylsulfonyl)phenyl]amino}phenol

The subtitle compound was prepared by the method of example 1 step (ii) using the product from example 8 step (i) (1.0 g) and 5-chloro-2-benzoxazolone (0.85 g), yield 0.55 g.

MS: ESI(−ve) 345(M−1)

(ii) (2S)-2-(4-Chloro-2-{[2-chloro-4-(ethylsulfonyl)phenyl]amino}phenoxy)propanoic acid

The title compound was prepared by the method of example 16 using the product from step (i) (0.24 g), yield 0.04 g.

1H NMR DMSO-d6: δ 8.84 (1H, bs); 7.80 (1H, s); 7.58 (1H, s); 7.34 (1H, s); 7.17-7.06 (3H, m); 4.60 (1H, q); 3.24 (2H, q); 1.36 (3H, d); 1.09 (3H, t)

MS: ESI(−ve) 416(M−1)

EXAMPLE 51 2-(4-Chloro-2-{[2-chloro-4-ethylsulfonyl)phenyl]amino}phenoxy)-2-methylpropanoic acid

The title compound was prepared by the method of example 29 step (ii) using the product from example 50 step (i), yield 0.16 g.

¹H NMR DMSO-d6: δ 8.15 (1H,bs); 7.83 (1H, s); 7.60 (1H, d); 7.36 (1H, s); 7.13 (1H, d); 7.01-6.94 (2H, m); 3.27 (2H, q); 1.38 (6H, s); 1.08 (3H, t)

MS: ESI(−ve) 430(M−1)

EXAMPLE 52 (2S)-2-(4-Chloro-2-{[2-chloro-4(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]amino}phenoxy)propanoic acid

The title compound was prepared by the method of example 50 using the product from example 7 step (ii), yield 0.075 g.

1H NMR DMSO-d6: δ 7.94 (1H, s); 7.88 (1H, s); 7.64 (1H, d); 7.37-7.32 (1H, m); 7.20-7.06 (3H, m); 4.89 (1H, q); 3.18 (3H, s); 1.38 (3H, d)

MS: ESI(−ve) 402(M−1)

EXAMPLE 53 2-(4-Chloro-2-{[2-chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]amino}phenoxy)-2-methylpropanoic acid

The title compound was prepared by the method of example 50 step (i) and example 29 step (ii), yield 0.05 g.

1H NMR DMSO-d6: δ 7.86 (1H, s); 7.64 (1H, d); 7.28-7.22 (1H, m); 7.10-7.06 (2H, m); 7.02 (1H, d); 3.17 (3H, s); 1.39 (6H, s)

MS: ESI(−ve) 416(M−1)

EXAMPLE 54 [4-Chloro-2-(pyrimidin-5-yloxy)phenoxy]acetic acid

A mixture of the product from example 5 step (ii) (0.2 g), 5-bromopyrimidine (0.308 g), tetramethylheptane-3,5-dione (0.046 g), cesium carbonate (0.65 g) and cuprous chloride (0.045 g) in NMP (2 ml) was heated at 130° C. overnight then at 150° C. The mixture was filtered, the filtrate washed with diethylether, acidified to pH 4 with 2M hydrochloric acid and extracted with ethylacetate. The ethylacetate layer was washed with water, dried and evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by chromatography on silica eluting with ethylacetate/acetic acid. Yield 0.007 g

¹H NMR DMSO-d6: δ 8.92 (1H, s); 8.52 (2H, s); 7.42 (1H, s); 7.33 (1H, dd); 7.13 (1H, d); 4.74 (2H, s)

MS: ESI(−ve) 279(M−1)

EXAMPLE 55 [4-Chloro-2-(quinolin-3-yloxy)phenoxy]acetic acid

The title compound was prepared by the method of example 54, yield 0.035 g.

¹H NMR DMSO-d6: δ 8.00 (1H, d); 7.84 (1H, d); 7.67-7.63 (2H, m); 7.54 (1H, t); 7.38 (1H, d); 7.32 (1H, dd); 7.17 (1H, d); 4.74 (2H, s)

MS: ESI(−ve) 328(M−1)

EXAMPLE 56 (2-{[2-Chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]amino}-4-fluorophenoxy)acetic acid

(i) 2-Chloro-N-(5-fluoro-2-methoxyphenyl)-4-(methylsulfonyl)aniline

A mixture of 2-bromo-4-fluoroanisole (6.0 g), 2-chloro-4-methylsulphonylaniline (9.0 g), cesium carbonate (14.7 g), palladium acetate (0.33 g) and 2-(dicyclohexylphosphino)-2′,4′,6′-tri-1-propyl-1,1′-biphenyl (0.54 g) in dioxane (60 ml) was heated at 100° C. for 20 h. The mixture was cooled, and partitioned between ethylacetate/water. The organics were separated, washed with brine, dried and evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by chromatography on silica eluting with 25% ethylacetate/isohexane. Yield 3.2 g

MS: ESI(+ve) 330(M+1)

(ii) 2-{[2-Chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]amino}-4-fluorophenol

The subtitle compound was prepared by the method of example 1 step (iii) using the product from step (i), yield 2.2 g.

MS: ESI(+ve) 316(M+1)

(iii) (2-{[2-Chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]amino}-4-fluorophenoxy)acetic acid

Sodium tert-butoxide (0.073 g) was added to a solution of the product from step (ii) (0.2 g) in THF (10 ml) and stirred at RT for 5 min. Ethyl bromoacetate (0.078 ml) was added, the mixture stirred for 1 h before adding 2M sodium hydroxide solution (2 ml). After 3 h, 2M hydrochloric acid was added and the mixture extracted with ethyl acetate. The organics were washed with brine, dried and evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by RPHPLC, yield 0.11 g.

¹H NMR DMSO-d6: δ 13.14 (s, 1H), 7.97 (s, 1H), 7.89 (s, 1H), 7.64 (d, 1H), 7.20 (d, 1H), 7.12 (m, 2H), 6.98 (m, 1H), 4.75 (s, 2H), 3.18 (s, 3H)

MS: ESI(−ve) 372(M−1)

EXAMPLE 57 (2S)-2-(2-{[2-Chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]amino}-4-fluorophenoxy)propanoic acid

Diisopropyl azodicarboxylate (0.14 ml) was added to a stirred solution of the product from example 56 step (ii) (0.2 g), triphenylphosphine (0.18 g), R-methyl lactate (0.1 g) in THF (10 ml). After 20 h, aqueous 1M sodium hydroxide solution (2 ml) was added and stirred for 4 h. The mixture was diluted with water (30 ml) then partitioned between ethyl acetate/2M hydrochloric acid. The organics were separated, washed with brine, dried and evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by RPHPLC, yield 0.094 g.

¹H NMR DMSO-d6: δ 13.23 (s, 1H), 7.99 (s, 1H), 7.90 (s, 1H), 7.66 (d, 1H), 7.22 (m, 2H), 7.12 (m, 1H), 6.96 (m, 1H), 4.86 (q, 1H), 3.18 (s, 3H), 1.43 (d, 3H)

MS: ESI(−ve) 386(M−1)

EXAMPLE 58 {4-Chloro-2-[[2-chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl](methyl)amino]phenoxy}acetic acid

Sodium hydride (60% disp. oil, 0.11 g) was added to a solution of the product from example 31 (0.5 g) in DMF (5 ml) and stirred at RT for 10 min. Methyl iodide (1 ml) was added, stirred for 5 h then methanol (1 ml) added followed by 1M sodium hydroxide solution (3 ml). After stirring for a further 20 h the mixture was acidified with 2M hydrochloric acid and extracted with ethyl acetate. The organics were washed with brine, dried and evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by RPHPLC, yield 0.21 g.

¹H NMR DMSO-d6: δ 13.01 (s, 1H), 7.82 (d, 1H), 7.81 (s, 1H), 7.43 (d, 1H), 7.15 (d, 1H), 7.00 (d, 1H), 6.84 (s, 1H), 4.69 (s, 2H), 3.27 (s, 3H), 3.23 (s, 3H)

MS: ESI(−ve) 402(M−1)

EXAMPLE 59 {4-Chloro-2-[[2-chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl](ethyl)amino]phenoxy}acetic acid

The title compound was prepared by the method of example 58 using iodoethane, yield 0.017 g.

¹H NMR DMSO-d6: δ 7.79 (s, 1H), 7.78 (d, 1H), 7.44 (d, 1H), 7.13 (d, 1H), 6.99 (d, 1H), 6.82 (s, 1H), 4.63 (s, 2H), 3.80 (q, 2H), 3.23 (s, 3H), 1.13 (t, 3H)

MS: ESI(−ve) 416(M−1)

EXAMPLE 60 (2-{[2-Chloro-4(ethylsulfonyl)phenyl]amino}-4-fluorophenoxy)acetic acid

(i) 5-Fluoro-1,3-benzoxazol-2(3H)-one

A solution of 2-amino-fluorophenol (4.0 g), carbonyldiimidazole (1.7 g) in DCM (100 ml) and acetonitrile (30 ml) was stirred at RT for 5 h. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the residue purified by chromatography on silica eluting with 30% ethylacetate/isohexane, yield 4.0 g.

MS: ESI(+ve) 154(M+1)

(ii) 2-{[2-Chloro-4-(ethylsulfonyl)phenyl]amino}-4-fluorophenol

A mixture of the product from step (i) (1.38 g), the product from example 8 step (i) (2.0 g) and potassium carbonate (3.7 g) in NMP (20 ml) was heated in a CEM microwave (100° C./50 watts) for 15 min. Methanol (30 ml) followed by 1M sodium hydroxide solution were added and the reaction stirred at RT for 3 h. The mixture was acidified with 2M hydrochloric acid, extracted with ethyl acetate, the organics washed with water, brine, dried and evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by chromatography on silica eluting with 25% ethylacetate/isohexane, yield 2.0 g.

MS: ESI(+ve) 330(M+1)

(iii) (2-{[2-Chloro-4-(ethylsulfonyl)phenyl]amino}-4-fluorophenoxy)acetic acid

The title compound was prepared by the method of example 56 step (iii) using the product from step (ii), yield 0.35 g.

¹H NMR DMSO-d6: δ 13.14 (s, 1H), 7.99 (s, 1H), 7.82 (s, 1H), 7.59 (d, 1H), 7.22 (d, 1H), 7.12 (s, 1H), 7.11 (d, 1H), 6.99 (m, 1H), 4.74 (s, 2H), 3.25 (q, 2H), 1.10 (t, 3H)

MS: ESI(−ve) 386(M−1)

EXAMPLE 61 {2-[2-Chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenoxy]phenoxy}acetic acid

Sodium hydride (60% disp. oil, 0.24 g) was added to a solution of (2-hydroxyphenoxy) acetic acid (0.5 g) in DMF (20 ml) and stirred at 40° C. for 30 min. The product from example 7 step (ii) (0.62 g) was added, then the mixture heated at 75° C. for 30 h. 2M Sodium hydroxide solution was added and extracted with ethylacetate. The aqueous layer was acidified with 2M hydrochloric acid and extracted with ethyl acetate. The organics were dried, evaporated under reduced pressure and the residue purified by RPHPLC, yield 0.21 g.

¹H NMR DMSO-d6: δ 8.05-6.93 (7H, m); 4.47 (2H, s); 3.23 (3H, s)

MS: APCI(−ve) 355(M−1)

EXAMPLE 62 {(4-Chloro-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]phenoxy}acetic acid

(i) 4-Bromo-2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl methyl sulfide

A mixture of sodium thiomethoxide (0.317 g) and 5-bromo-2-fluorobenzotrifluoride (1.0 g) in DMF (4 ml) was heated at 50° C. for 1 h then poured into water and extracted with isohexane. The organics were washed with brine, dried and evaporated under reduced pressure. Yield 0.762 g

¹H NMR DMSO-d6: δ 7.74 (1H, d); 7.59 (1H, dd); 7.22 (1H, d); 2.51 (3H, s)

(ii) 4-Bromo-2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl methyl sulfone

The subtitle compound was prepared by the method of example 2 step (ii) using the product from step (i), yield 0.8 g.

(iii) Methyl {4-chloro-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]phenoxy}acetate

A mixture of sodium tert-butoxide (0.96 g), the product from example 5 step (ii) (0.4 g) in DMSO (10 ml) was stirred at RT for 1 h, then the product from step (ii) (0.66 g) added. The mixture was heated at 120° C. for 6 h, cooled and partitioned between ethyl acetate/2M hydrochloric acid. The organics were separated, washed with water, dried and evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was esterified using trimethyldiazomethane in DCM/methanol, yield 0.205 g.

¹H NMR CDCl₃: δ 8.22 (1H, d); 7.47 (1H, d); 7.27-7.13 (3H, m); 6.86 (1H, d); 4.61 (2H, s); 3.74 (3H, s); 3.17 (3H, s);

(iv) {4-Chloro-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]phenoxy}acetic acid 1M Sodium hydroxide solution (0.5 m) was added to a solution of the product from step (iii) (0.197 g) in methanol (1 ml) and tetrahydrofuran (3 ml) and stirred at RT for 16 h. The solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure and the residue partitioned between DCM/2M hydrochloric acid. The organics were dried, evaporated under reduced pressure and the residue recrystallised from DCM-isohexane, yield 0.108 g.

H NMR DMSO-d6: δ 13.10 (1H, s); 8.16 (1H, d); 7.51 (1H, d); 7.46 (1H, d); 7.38 (1H, dd); 7.33 (1H, dd); 7.18 (1H, d); 4.75 (2H, s); 3.24 (3H, s)

MS: APCI(−ve) 423(M−1)

EXAMPLE 63 [4-Chloro-2-(quinolin-8-ylthio)phenoxy]acetic acid

(i) tert-Butyl(4-chloro-2-iodophenoxy)acetate

The subtitle compound was prepared by the method of example 1 step (iv) using 4-chloro-2-iodo-phenol (4.75 g), yield 6.88 g.

¹H NMR CDCl₃: δ 7.77 (1H, d); 7.24 (1H, dd); 6.61 (1H, d); 4.55 (2H, s); 1.48 (9H, s)

(ii) [4-Chloro-2-(quinolin-8-ylthio)phenoxy]acetic acid

A mixture of the product from step (i) (0.262 g), 8-quinolinethiol hydrochloride (0.141 g), copper (1) iodide (7 mg), potassium carbonate (0.295 g) and ethylene glycol (0.08 ml) in iso-propanol (3 ml) was heated at 80° C. for 48 h. The mixture was partitioned between DCM/2M hydrochloric acid, the organics dried, evaporated under reduced pressure and the residue purified by chromatography on silica eluting with DCM:methanol:acetic acid (90:9:1). The residue was triturated with diethylether/methanol, filtered and dried, yield 0.101 g.

¹H NMR DMSO-d6: δ 13.00 (1H, bs); 8.95 (1H, d); 8.42 (1H, d); 7.81 (1H, d); 7.63 (1H, dd); 7.57-7.37 (3H, m); 7.08 (2H, d); 4.79 (2H, s)

MS: APCI(−ve) 344/6(M−1)

EXAMPLE 64 (2S)-2-[4-Chloro-2-(4-nitrophenoxy)phenoxy]-propanoic acid

(i) Methyl(2S)-2-(4-chloro-2-formylphenoxy)propanoate

The subtitle compound was prepared by the method of example 1 step (ii) using 5-chloro-2-hydroxybenbaldehyde and methyl(2R)-2-(4-toluenesulphonyl)lactate

¹H NMR CDCl₃: δ 10.50 (1H, s); 7.81 (1H, d); 7.44 (1H, dd); 6.79 (1H, d); 4.87 (1H, q); 3.77 (3H, s); 1.70 (3H, d)

(ii) (2S)-2-(4-Chloro-2-hydroxyphenoxy)propanoic acid

The subtitle compound was prepared by the method of example 1 step (ii) and example 26 step (iv) using the product from step (i).

MS: APCI(−ve) 215/7(M−1)

(iii) (2S)-2-[4-Chloro-2-(4-nitrophenoxy)phenoxy]-propanoic acid

To a solution of (2S)-2-(4-chloro-2-hydroxyphenoxy)-propanoic acid (0.216 g) and 1-fluoro-4-nitro-benzene (0.127 g) in NUT (3 ml) was added potassium carbonate (0.276 g) and the reaction heated at 90° C. for 2 h. After cooling to RT, water and diethylether were added. The aqueous layer was separated and extracted again with diethylether. The aqueous layer was isolated, acidified to pH 2 and extracted with diethylether. This later extract was dried and evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by chromatography on silica eluting with 30-50% ethylactate/isohexane+1% AcOH, yield 0.2 g

1H NMR DMSO-d6: δ 8.22 (2H, d), 7.40 (1H, d), 7.34 (1H, dd), 7.09 (3H, m), 4.85 (1H, q), 1.26 (3H, d).

MS: APCI(−ve) 336

EXAMPLE 65 (2S)-2-(2-{[2-Chloro-4-(ethylsulfonyl)phenyl]amino}-4-fluorophenoxy)propanoic acid

The title compound was prepared by the method of example 57 using the product from example 60 step (ii).

¹H NMR DMSO-d6: δ 13.22 (s, 1H), 8.04 (s, 1H), 7.83 (s, 1H), 7.61 (d, 1H), 7.24 (d, 1H), 7.18 (d, 1H), 7.12 (m, 1H), 6.97 (m, 1H), 4.85 (q, 1H), 3.26 (q, 2H), 1.42 (d, 3H), 1.10 (t, 3H)

MS: APCI(−ve) 400

EXAMPLE 66 2-(2-{[2-Chloro-4-(ethylsulfonyl)phenyl]amino}fluorophenoxy)-2-methylpropanoic acid, sodium salt

The title compound was prepared by the method of example 29 step (ii) using the product from example 60 step (ii).

¹H NMR DMSO-d6: δ 10.67 (s, 1H), 7.77 (s, 1H), 7.56 (d, 1H), 7.22 (d, 1H), 7.04 (m, 2H), 6.75 (m, 1H), 3.24 (q, 2H), 1.38 (s, 6H), 1.10 (t, 3H)

MS: APCI(−ve) 414

EXAMPLE 67 [2-{[2-Chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]amino}-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]acetic acid

(i) 2-{[2-Chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]amino}-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenol

The subtitle compound was prepared by the method of example 60 step (ii) using 5-(trifluoromethyl)-1,3-benzoxazol-2(3H)-one and the product from example 7 step (ii).

MS: ESI(+ve) 366(M+1)

(ii) [2-{[2-Chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]amino}-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]acetic acid

The title compound was prepared by the method of example 56 step (iii) using the product from step (i).

¹H NMR DMSO-d6: δ 8.50 (s, 1H), 7.86 (s, 1H), 7.59 (m, 2H), 7.49 (d, 1H), 7.19 (d, 1H), 7.02 (d, 1H), 4.60 (s, 2H), 3.17 (s, 3H)

MS: APCI(−ve) 422(M−1)

EXAMPLE 68 [2-{[2-Chloro-4-(ethylsulfonyl)phenyl]amino}-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]acetic acid

(i) 2-{[2-Chloro-4-(ethylsulfonyl)phenyl]amino}-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenol

The subtitle compound was prepared by the method of example 60 step (ii) using 5-(trifluoromethyl)-1,3-benzoxazol-2(3H)-one and the product from example 8 step (i).

MS: ESI(+ve) 380(M+1)

(ii) [2-{[2-Chloro-4-(ethylsulfonyl)phenyl]amino}-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]acetic acid

The title compound was prepared by the method of example 56 step (iii) using the product from step (i).

¹H NMR DMSO-d6: δ 13.18 (s, 1H), 8.09 (s, 1H), 7.81 (s, 1H), 7.63 (s, 1H), 7.55 (m, 2H), 7.23 (d, 1H), 6.87 (d, 1H), 4.85 (s, 2H), 3.24 (q, 2H), 1.10 (t, 3H)

MS: APCI(−ve) 436(M−1)

Pharmacological Data

Ligand Binding Assay

[³H]PGD₂ was purchased from Perkin Elmer Life Sciences with a specific activity of 100-210 Ci/mmol. All other chemicals were of analytical grade.

HEK cells expressing rhCRTh2/Gα16 were routinely maintained in DMEM containing 10% Foetal Bovine Serum (HyClone), 1 mg/ml geneticin, 2 mM L-glutamine and 1% non-essential amino acids. For the preparation of membranes, the adherent transfected HEK cells were grown to confluence in two layer tissue culture factories (Fisher, catalogue number TKT-170-070E). Maximal levels of receptor expression were induced by addition of 500 mM sodium butyrate for the last 18 hours of culture. The adherent cells were washed once with phosphate buffered saline (PBS, 50 ml per cell factory) and detached by the addition of 50 ml per cell factory of ice-cold membrane homogenisation buffer [20 mM HEPES (pH 7.4), 0.1 mM dithiothreitol, 1 mM EDTA, 0.1 mM phenyl methyl sulphonyl fluoride and 100 μg/ml bacitracin]. Cells were pelleted by centrifugation at 220×g for 10 minutes at 4° C., re-suspended in half the original volume of fresh membrane homogenisation buffer and disrupted using a Polytron homogeniser for 2×20 second bursts keeping the tube in ice at all times. Unbroken cells were removed by centrifugation at 220×g for 10 minutes at 4° C. and the membrane fraction pelleted by centrifugation at 90000×g for 30 minutes at 4° C. The final pellet was re-suspended in 4 ml of membrane homogenisation buffer per cell factory used and the protein content determined. Membranes were stored at −80° C. in suitable aliquots.

All assays were performed in Corning clear bottomed, white 96-well NBS plates (Fisher). Prior to assay, the HEK cells membranes containing CRTh2 were coated onto SPA PVT WGA beads (Amersham). For coating membranes were incubated with beads at typically 25 μg membrane protein per mg beads at 4° C. with constant agitation overnight. (The optimum coating concentrations were determined for each batch of membranes) The beads were pelleted by centrifugation (800×g for 7 minutes at 4° C.), washed once with assay buffer (50 mM HEPES pH 7.4 containing 5 mM magnesium chloride) and finally re-suspended in assay buffer at a bead concentration of 10 mg/ml.

Each assay contained 20 μl of 6.25 nM [³H]PGD₂, 20 μl membrane saturated SPA beads both in assay buffer and 10 μl of compound solution or 13,14-dihydro-15-keto prostaglandin D₂ (DK-PGD₂, for determination of non-specific binding, Cayman chemical company). Compounds and DK-PGD₂ were dissolved in DMSO and diluted in the same solvent to 100× the required final concentration. Assay buffer was added to give a final concentration of 10% DMSO (compounds were now at 10× the required final concentration) and this was the solution added to the assay plate. The assay plate was incubated at room temperature for 2 hours and counted on a Wallac Microbeta liquid scintillation counter (1 minute per well).

Compounds of formula (I) have an IC₅₀ value of less than (<) 10 μM.

Specifically, example 4 has a pIC₅₀=8.0, example 5 has a pIC₅₀=8.0 and example 43 has a pIC₅₀=9.0. 

1. A method of treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma, which comprises administering to a patient a compound of formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof:

in which: W is O, S(O)_(n) (where n is 0, 1 or 2); X is hydrogen, halogen, cyano, nitro, S(O)_(n) R⁶, OR¹² or C₁₋₆alkyl which may be substituted by one or more halogen atoms; Y is hydrogen, halogen, CN, nitro, SO₂R³, OR⁴, SR⁴, SOR³, SO₂NR⁴R⁵, CONR⁴R⁵, NR⁴R⁵, NR⁶SO₂R³, NR⁶CO₂R⁶, NR⁶COR³, C₂-C₆ alkenyl, C₂-C₆ alkynyl, C₃-C₇ cycloalkyl or C₁₋₆alkyl, the latter four groups being optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from halogen, OR⁶ and NR⁶R⁷, S(O)_(n)R⁶ where n is 0, 1 or 2; Z is phenyl, optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, CN, OH, SH, nitro, CO₂R⁶, SO₂R⁹, OR⁹, SR⁹, SOR⁹, SO₂NR¹⁰R¹¹, CONR¹⁰R¹¹, NR¹⁰R¹¹, NHSO₂R⁹, NR⁹SO₂R⁹, NR⁶CO₂R⁶, NHCOR⁹, NR⁹COR⁹, aryl, C₂-C₆ alkenyl, C₂-C₆ alkynyl, C₃-C₇ cycloalkyl, or C₁₋₆alkyl, the latter four groups being optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from halogen, C₃-C₇ cycloalkyl, OR⁶, NR⁶R⁷, S(O)_(n)R⁶ (where n is 0, 1 or 2), CONR⁶R⁷, NR⁶COR⁷, SO₂NR⁶R⁷ and NR⁶SO₂R⁷; R¹ and R² independently represent a hydrogen atom, halogen, C₂-C₆ alkenyl, C₂-C₆ alkynyl, C₃-C₇ cycloalkyl or a C₁₋₆alkyl group, the latter four groups being optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from halogen, C₃-C₇ cycloalkyl, NR⁶R⁷, OR⁶, S(O)_(n)R⁶ (where n is 0, 1 or 2); R³ represents C₃-C₇ cycloalkyl or C₁₋₆alkyl either of which may be optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from halogen, C₃-C₇ cycloalkyl, OR⁶ and NR⁶R⁷, S(O)_(n)R⁶ (where n=0, 1 or 2), CONR⁶R⁷, NR⁶COR⁷, SO₂NR⁶R⁷ and NR⁶SO₂R⁷; R⁴ and R⁵ independently represent hydrogen, C₃-C₇ cycloalkyl or C₁₋₆alkyl, the latter two groups being optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from halogen, C₃-C₇ cycloalkyl, OR⁶ and NR⁶R⁷, S(O)_(n)R⁶ (where n=0, 1 or 2), CONR⁶R⁷, NR⁶COR⁷, SO₂NR⁶R⁷ and NR⁶SO₂R⁷; R⁶ and R⁷ independently represents a hydrogen atom or C₁-C₆ alkyl; R⁸ is hydrogen, C₁₋₄ alkyl, —COC₁-C₄ alkyl, CO₂C₁-C₄alkyl, SO₂R⁶ or CONR⁶C₁-C₄alkyl; R⁹ represents aryl, C₃-C₇ cycloalkyl or C₁₋₆alkyl, the latter two groups may be optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from halogen, C₃-C₇ cycloalkyl, aryl, OR⁶ and NR⁶R⁷, S(O)_(n)R⁶ (where n=0, 1 or 2), CONR⁶R⁷NR⁶COR⁷, SO₂NR⁶R⁷and NR⁶SO₂R⁷; R¹⁰ and R¹¹ independently represent aryl or hydrogen, C₃-C₇ cycloalkyl or C₁₋₆alkyl, the latter two groups being optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from halogen, C₃-C₇ cycloalkyl, aryl, OR⁶ and NR⁶R⁷,S(O)_(n)R⁶ (where n =0, 1 or 2), CONR⁶R⁷, NR⁶COR⁷, SO₂NR⁶R⁷ and NR⁶SO₂R⁷; R¹² represents a hydrogen atom or C₁₋₆alkyl which may be substituted by one or more halogen atoms, and R¹⁵ represents a hydrogen atom, C₁-C₆ alkyl, SO₂R⁶ or COR⁶.
 2. A method according to claim 1 in which R¹ and R² are independently hydrogen or C₁₋₃ alkyl.
 3. A method according to claim 1 in which X is halogen, cyano or C₁₋₂alkyl optionally substituted with one or more halogen atoms.
 4. A method according to claim 1 in which Y is hydrogen, halogen or C₁₋₆alkyl.
 5. A method according to claim 1 in which Z is phenyl, optionally substituted by halogen, CN, SO₂R⁹, OR⁹, SR⁹, SOR⁹, SO₂NR¹⁰R¹¹, CONR¹⁰R¹¹, NHSO₂R⁹, NR⁹SO₂R⁹, NHCOR⁹, NR⁹COR⁹.
 6. A method according to claim 1 where the compound of formula (I) is selected from: [4-Chloro-2-[[4-(ethylsulfonyl)phenyl]thio]phenoxy]-acetic acid, [4-Chloro-2-[[4-(ethylsulfonyl)-2-methylphenyl]thio]phenoxy]-acetic acid, [4-Chloro-2-[4-(ethylsulfonyl)phenoxy]phenoxy]-acetic acid (4-Chloro-2-{[2-chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]thio}phenoxy)acetic acid, (4-Chloro-2-{[2-chloro-4-(ethylsulfonyl)phenyl]thio}phenoxy)acetic acid, (4-Chloro-2-{[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]thio}phenoxy)acetic acid, {4-Chloro-2-[(2-chloro-4-cyanophenyl)thio]phenoxy}acetic acid, (4-Chloro-2-{[2-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]thio}phenoxy)acetic acid, (4-Chloro-2-{[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]sulfinyl}phenoxy)acetic acid, (4-Chloro-2-{[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl-])sulfonyl}phenoxy)acetic acid, [4-Chloro-2-({4-[(methylamino)carbonyl]phenyl}thio)phenoxy]acetic acid, (2S)-2-(4-Chloro-2-{[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]thio}phenoxy)propanoic acid, (2R)-2-(4-Chloro-2-{[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]thio}phenoxy)propanoic acid, (2S)-2-(4-Chloro-2-{[2-chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]thio}phenoxy)propanoic acid, (2S)-2-(4-Chloro-2-{[2-chloro-4-(ethylsulfonyl)phenyl]thio}phenoxy)propanoic acid, 2-(4-Chloro-2-{[2-chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]thio}phenoxy)-2-methylpropanoic acid, {4-Chloro-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenoxy]phenoxy}acetic acid, {4-Chloro-2-[2-chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenoxy]phenoxy}acetic acid, {4-Chloro-2-[2-chloro-4-(ethylsulfonyl)phenoxy]phenoxy}acetic acid, (2S)-2-{4-Chloro-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenoxy]phenoxy}propanoic acid, (2S)-2-{4-Chloro-2-[2-chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenoxy]phenoxy}propanoic acid, (2S)-2-{4-Chloro-2-[2-chloro-4-(ethylsulfonyl)phenoxy]phenoxy}propanoic acid, {4,5-Dichloro-2-[2-chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenoxy]phenoxy}acetic acid, {2-[2-Chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenoxy]-4,5-difluorophenoxy}acetic acid, 2-{4-Chloro-2-[2-chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenoxy]phenoxy}-2-methylpropanoic acid, [2-{[2-Chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]thio}-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]acetic acid, (2S)-2-[2-{[2-Chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]thio}-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]propanoic acid, [2-{[2-Chloro-4-(ethylsulfonyl)phenyl]thio}-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]acetic acid, (2S)-2-[2-{[2-Chloro-4-(ethylsulfonyl)phenyl]thio}-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]propanoic acid, [2-({4-[(Dimethylamino)sulfonyl]phenyl}thio)-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]acetic acid, [2-[2-Chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenoxy]-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]acetic acid, [2-[2-Chloro-4-(ethylsulfonyl)phenoxy]-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]acetic acid, 2-[2-[2-Chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenoxy]-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]butanoic acid, [2-{4-[(Dimethylamino)sulfonyl]phenoxy}-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]acetic acid, (2S)-2-[2-{4-[(Dimethylamino)sulfonyl]phenoxy}-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]propanoic acid, {2-[2-Chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenoxy]-4-fluorophenoxy}acetic acid, {2-[2-Chloro-4-(ethylsulfonyl)phenoxy]-4-fluorophenoxy}acetic acid, 2-{2-[2-Chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenoxy]-4-fluorophenoxy}-2-methylpropanoic acid, (2-{[2-chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]thio}-4-fluorophenoxy)acetic acid, (2-{[2-Chloro-4-(ethylsulfonyl)phenyl]thio}-4-fluorophenoxy)acetic acid, 2-(2-{[2-Chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl]thio}-4-fluorophenoxy)-2-methylpropanoic acid, (2-{2-Chloro-4-[(ethylsulfonyl)amino]phenoxy}-4-fluorophenoxy)acetic acid, {2-[2-Chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)phenoxy]phenoxy}acetic acid, {4-Chloro-2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]phenoxy}acetic acid, and (2S)-2-[4-Chloro-2-(4-nitrophenoxy)phenoxy]-propanoic acid, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. 